推特三人組Meet the men behind one of the world’s fastest-growing social networks by Beth Bowyer Wei
Your favorite singer tells you what she just had for lunch. Then your favorite actor lets you know his Christmas plans. Next, your former classmate informs you that he’s watching a movie, and your cousin tells you her latest test score. All of this information is delivered to you on one simple webpage courtesy of Twitter, the micro-blogging site that’s taking the world by storm.
Thanks to the Twitter trio – Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams – people around the world are connecting at the speed of a “tweet,” a short update
Dorsey has always loved cities and the way information travels through them. In 1991 at age 14, Dorsey held his first-but not his last part-time job designing dispatching software for taxi companies in St. Louis. By 2000, he had started his own company to dispatch taxis, ambulances and couriers via the Internet. The fact that the users of his software -drivers- were simply reporting their locations gave Dorsey an idea. Add to that a desire to stay better connected with friends and he conceived the concept of Twitter.
In 2006, eager to pitch his idea. Dorsey approached the podcasting company Odeo, based in San Francisco. There he met Stone, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who had already published two books about social media. Stone, a native of Boston, had also co-founded xanga.com, a website that hosts blogs and social networking profiles. Within a few weeks of their first meeting, Dorsey and Stone created a prototype of Twitter. The pair was soon joined by Odeo's co-founder Williams, a veteran Silicon Valley executive and co-inventor of Blogger.com. The son of a Nebraska farmer, Williams had displayed an interest in business and marketing even as a teen. Sensing Twitter's business potential, he enthusiastically got involved.
The excited trio of Dorsey, Stone and Williams launched a full-scale version of Twitter int the summer of 2006. Fueled by Dorsey's brilliantly simple concept, Stone's communication and marketing skills and William's technology business sense, Twitter soon grew into a multi-use media platform. Dorsey said, "My whole philosophy is making tech more accessible and human." By connecting people so quickly and conveniently,Twitter is doing just that.
How does it work?
Twitter asks members one simple question: What are you doing right now? Unlike Facebook and MySpace users, Twitter users don't need to manage complicated profile pages. And different from blogs, Twitter messages aren't lengthy, time-consuming posts. Because user updates, known as "tweets," are limited to 140 characters, information can be written-and read-quickly. But the site does more than just keep friends connected or let celebrities mingle with fans. It's also a place for people to set up business connections, share information and find answers to questions in a quick, informal way.
Why call it "Twitter"?
Dorsey, Stone and Williams wanted a name for their product that encompassed the idea of users updating statuses from anywhere. This concept included sending updates to friends' mobile devices- causing the devices to twitch. While checking a dictionary the team found the word "twitter" in a nearby entry. The definition? "A short burst of information" -exactly what people share on twitter.
Since 2006, more than 17 million users have joined Twitter to socialize, express political opinions and even report breaking news. The network is a "tweet" for everyone．
More Information
With new technology comes new vocabulary!
Some new twitter-inspired vocabulary includes the word tweet. As a noun is means a user's status update. As a verb it means to write a status update. RT or retweet is a verb and it means to "tweet" content from another user's update. To DM or direct message someone is to send a private message to another user.
Grammar
The excited trio launched a full-scale version of Twitter in the summer of 2006.
full-scale=complete and using all resources.
The police chief ordered a full-scale investigation to find out how the bank robbery had occurred. There might be full-scale war if the hostile nations can't agree at the peace talks.
Vocabulary
dispatching (v)-Rob works in the dispatching department of a taxi company so he is constantly communicating with the drivers.
*Within seconds, the police dispatched two police officers to the house that reported theft.
*The ambulance was dispatched to the scene of the car accident.
dispatch (v)-分开，分派，派遣
Companies that offer electricity, phone or cable TV services often dispatch technicians to clients' homes.
ambulance (n)-Several ambulances arrived at the scene of the accident.
conceive (v)-怀孕，想象，构思，构想，由．．构思出来的．
How did the inventor conceive this creative idea?
*The musician took a year to conceive his latest album.
*The popular play was conceived by a group of young college students.
taking by storm (idiom)- 风靡大众．
That designer's unique, environmentally friendly clothes are taking the fashion world by storm.
*The new movie took audiences in Asia by storm.
*This new teacher took her classroom by storm.
entrepreneur (n)-After building several restaurants and hotels, the young entrepreneur started his own grocery store chain.
veteran (adj)-老资格的，经验丰富的.
veteran(n)-老手，经验丰富的人.someone who has experience in something..
The veteran politician lost the election to a younger, less experienced candidate.
*Bob is a veteran campaign fundraiser.
*Charlie is a veteran baseball pitcher. He can handle all sorts of situations.
enthusiastically (adv)-热情地，充满热忱地。
Eager to improve his English, Greg enthusiastically signed up for the three-day speech camp. *The students discussed the new project enthusiastically.
*The new quarterback was enthusiastically welcomed by the team.
enthusiastic (adj)-热情的，充满热忱的
accessible (adj)-easier to use, more people able to use and get to it.
The governor wants to make higher education more accessible to low-income students.
prototype-initiate desire原型，模型，蓝本proto-首先,type款式，样式
The company finished designing the prototype of their new car last month.
He is the prototype of a good father.
encompass (v)-include all, complete include.包刮，包含。
Billy and Ling's wedding encompassed aspects of both the East and the West.
*The proposal encompasses renewing the community center and the garden.
*The magazine encompasses articles of many different subjects.
twitch (v)-抽动，抽续颤抖，痉挛
After a long run, sometimes the muscles in my leg twitch.
*Nancy could feel her lips twitching when she was giving the speech.
*My legs twitched constantly after climbing the mountain.
socialize (v)-During freshmen orientation, students have make opportunities to socialize and make new friend.
mingle- mix with, 往来，交往。与某个对象交往用"With"
The famous movie star still loves to mingle with his childhood friends.
*Helen rarely mingles with her colleagues.
Chat Room
networking(n)-指网状的组织或系统。当动词是指建立人脉或拉关系。net 是网子
social networking-网路上的社群，一群和你因某一种因素建立起来得关系的人，如学校，地区，兴趣，理念，专业，信仰等。
social networking site-社群网站。
-------------------
twitter-twitter网站.原本是鸟叫的啾啾声. 也有"突然蹦出来的简短信息.
tweet-使用者所更新的信息.
retweet- 是tweet延伸出的,指把所看到的信息,转发到你自己的tweeter上.
pheeter-是 phony tweeter 的缩写.phony-假的。
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
In Love With Coffee, Dating the Library
美國留學記：愛上咖啡，和圖書館約會 My friends, I still miss you
With a cup of coffee and my laptop, I am sitting in the library – my new home. My friends believe I live in the library because I am here all the time. I am trying hard not to live up to the typical Asian stereotype – nerdy. But I still need to put a lot of effort into my studies because English is not my first language.
Since my university has short semesters, my schedule is tight. Despite finishing midterms not too long ago – late October – my finals are quickly approaching – early December. I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework. And the cultural differences are also dragging me toward frustration and fatigue. I am suffering from depression. However, I also know I am learning and growing.
Thanksgiving was last week. So most students went home to celebrate with their families and friends- we had a four-day vacation. Where did I go? Nowhere. All I have are memories of friends and family back home. I miss them so much. I still remember all the fun times with my friends. Do they still remember me? I cannot forget our friendships. I am obsessed with memories.
Grammar
I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework.
to feel close to + verb-ing--mention about any action or situation almost happen.
He feels like he is almost going over the edge because of his schedule and all of the homework.
Fred is close to solving the riddle.
The research team is close to discovering a cure for the disease.
opposite of the meaning just add "not" in front of "close to +verb-ing"
Tina is not close to being done with her project.
The secretary is not close to finishing his morning assignments.
Vocabulary
stereotype (n)-刻板印象,nerdy.
The most common stereotype of men is that they don't show emotion.
*He doesn't fit the stereotype of an athlete. He's considerably studious and quiet.
*The film exposes the many ways that racial stereotypes can guide people.
despite (prep)-regardless, even though
Despite training hard for the race, Hilary came in 3rd place.
nerd (n)-a way of a type of people, always carry books, wear thick glasses, like study a lot, not have many friend.
over the edge (idiom) -go too far, almost going to crazy频临精神崩溃。
The last work assignment Shelley was given put her over the edge, so she quit her job immediately.
*He went over the edge after his girlfriend broke up with him.
*I'.m afraid he might be pushed over the edge when he finds out he's getting fired
fatigue (n)-tiredness, very tired
Paul's first four weeks in the army were filled with pain and fatigue, so all he thought about was sleep.
obsess-kept thinking about it all the time, can't forget about it. 使着迷或缠住. obsessed被着迷的
Horrible childhood memories obsessed Debra for years
Ellen is obsessed with money. She doesn't care about anything else.
taking by storm (idiom)- That designer's unique, environmentally friendly clothes are taking the fashion world by storm.
Chat Room
hit home- 1。擊中要害2。触及痛处。really hit home 引起共鸣
hit bottom-跌到谷底（国家经济或个人表现上）心情低落诸事不顺。
homesick-想家miss their home/family/country， homesick -重音在后面，是sick stay at home.
hit the nail on the head- 锒头打在钉子上。击中要害，一针见血。很赞成对方的说法或看法。
对方认同并说对了自己的看法，你可以说“you hit the nail on the head.” 你说得对了
With a cup of coffee and my laptop, I am sitting in the library – my new home. My friends believe I live in the library because I am here all the time. I am trying hard not to live up to the typical Asian stereotype – nerdy. But I still need to put a lot of effort into my studies because English is not my first language.
Since my university has short semesters, my schedule is tight. Despite finishing midterms not too long ago – late October – my finals are quickly approaching – early December. I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework. And the cultural differences are also dragging me toward frustration and fatigue. I am suffering from depression. However, I also know I am learning and growing.
Thanksgiving was last week. So most students went home to celebrate with their families and friends- we had a four-day vacation. Where did I go? Nowhere. All I have are memories of friends and family back home. I miss them so much. I still remember all the fun times with my friends. Do they still remember me? I cannot forget our friendships. I am obsessed with memories.
Grammar
I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework.
to feel close to + verb-ing--mention about any action or situation almost happen.
He feels like he is almost going over the edge because of his schedule and all of the homework.
Fred is close to solving the riddle.
The research team is close to discovering a cure for the disease.
opposite of the meaning just add "not" in front of "close to +verb-ing"
Tina is not close to being done with her project.
The secretary is not close to finishing his morning assignments.
Vocabulary
stereotype (n)-刻板印象,nerdy.
The most common stereotype of men is that they don't show emotion.
*He doesn't fit the stereotype of an athlete. He's considerably studious and quiet.
*The film exposes the many ways that racial stereotypes can guide people.
despite (prep)-regardless, even though
Despite training hard for the race, Hilary came in 3rd place.
nerd (n)-a way of a type of people, always carry books, wear thick glasses, like study a lot, not have many friend.
over the edge (idiom) -go too far, almost going to crazy频临精神崩溃。
The last work assignment Shelley was given put her over the edge, so she quit her job immediately.
*He went over the edge after his girlfriend broke up with him.
*I'.m afraid he might be pushed over the edge when he finds out he's getting fired
fatigue (n)-tiredness, very tired
Paul's first four weeks in the army were filled with pain and fatigue, so all he thought about was sleep.
obsess-kept thinking about it all the time, can't forget about it. 使着迷或缠住. obsessed被着迷的
Horrible childhood memories obsessed Debra for years
Ellen is obsessed with money. She doesn't care about anything else.
taking by storm (idiom)- That designer's unique, environmentally friendly clothes are taking the fashion world by storm.
Chat Room
hit home- 1。擊中要害2。触及痛处。really hit home 引起共鸣
hit bottom-跌到谷底（国家经济或个人表现上）心情低落诸事不顺。
homesick-想家miss their home/family/country， homesick -重音在后面，是sick stay at home.
hit the nail on the head- 锒头打在钉子上。击中要害，一针见血。很赞成对方的说法或看法。
对方认同并说对了自己的看法，你可以说“you hit the nail on the head.” 你说得对了
Friday, November 27, 2009
I Bought It From a Vending Machine
我在販賣機裡買到房子Vending machines don’t just sell junk food anymore by Simon Stopps
For years now, vending machines have offered convenience and comfort to rushed travelers, students and business people alike. But at a vending machine in the Mondrian South Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida, guests can get much more than toothbrushes and snack foods.
The Mondrian Semi-Automatic, a $250,000 high-end vending machine, offers 90 items ranging in price from $5 to $1.2 million. Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises. The giant purple and white machine holds rows of shiny, white boxes. The machine also has two small screens that let customers view images and details of each product.
To make a purchase, customers swipe a credit card and make a selection. For larger items, the machine issues cards that can be exchanged for the purchases at the hotel's front desk. The largest items - such as cars and condominiums-require a non-refundable $1,500 deposit. Once the deposit has been paid, staff take customers to view their item before they make the final purchase. So don't be surprised the next time you ask someone where she got her designer dress and she says, " I bought it from a vending machine."
More Info
How old is the vending machine? Believe it or not, the first documented vending machine dates back to about 215 B.C., when the mathematician hero invented a device that accepted bronze coins and dispensed holy water in the temples of Alexandria. Egypt. In A.D. 1076, Chinese inventors developed a pencil vendor. Coin-activated tobacco boxes appeared in English taverns during the 1700s.
Grammar
Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises.
"among other things" -It means many things to talk about but only mention a few. This phrase can be put in the front or in the middle or at the end of the sentence.
The art exhibition was, among other things, a very creative expression of the artist's interpretation of current events.
Janis is responsible for many chores; she needs to do the dishes, mop the floor, and take out the trash, among other things.
Vocabulary
vending machine (n)-販賣機Ted is angry because the vending machine took his money-again.
peddle (v)-兜售 , 叫賣The shops in the market peddle a variety of local foods.
* Vacuum cleaner salesmen peddle from door to door trying to sell their product.
*The drug dealer was arrested last weekend for peddling drugs to an undercover police officer.
swipe (v)-刷卡的動作 swiped, swiping
To get onto the train, passengers swipe their ticket at the entrance gate.
*All you have to do to enter the office building is swipe your ID card.
*The clerk swiped the credit card several times but it was continuously rejected.
non-refundable (adj) - Charlene can return the bottled water to the store, but the fruit is non-refundable.
*The application fee is non-refundable whether you're accepted or not.
refundable (adj)- 可以退還的
The apartment deposit is only refundable for two weeks. After that you can't get your money back.
Chat Room
semi- half or part of , half circle.
semi circle-半圓的
semi sweet-微甜的
semi final-準決賽
semi-automatic-半自動
semi-monthly meeting 一個月二次
"bi"： bi-weekly, every other week, every two weeks.
semi-weekly: two times a week
For years now, vending machines have offered convenience and comfort to rushed travelers, students and business people alike. But at a vending machine in the Mondrian South Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida, guests can get much more than toothbrushes and snack foods.
The Mondrian Semi-Automatic, a $250,000 high-end vending machine, offers 90 items ranging in price from $5 to $1.2 million. Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises. The giant purple and white machine holds rows of shiny, white boxes. The machine also has two small screens that let customers view images and details of each product.
To make a purchase, customers swipe a credit card and make a selection. For larger items, the machine issues cards that can be exchanged for the purchases at the hotel's front desk. The largest items - such as cars and condominiums-require a non-refundable $1,500 deposit. Once the deposit has been paid, staff take customers to view their item before they make the final purchase. So don't be surprised the next time you ask someone where she got her designer dress and she says, " I bought it from a vending machine."
More Info
How old is the vending machine? Believe it or not, the first documented vending machine dates back to about 215 B.C., when the mathematician hero invented a device that accepted bronze coins and dispensed holy water in the temples of Alexandria. Egypt. In A.D. 1076, Chinese inventors developed a pencil vendor. Coin-activated tobacco boxes appeared in English taverns during the 1700s.
Grammar
Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises.
"among other things" -It means many things to talk about but only mention a few. This phrase can be put in the front or in the middle or at the end of the sentence.
The art exhibition was, among other things, a very creative expression of the artist's interpretation of current events.
Janis is responsible for many chores; she needs to do the dishes, mop the floor, and take out the trash, among other things.
Vocabulary
vending machine (n)-販賣機Ted is angry because the vending machine took his money-again.
peddle (v)-兜售 , 叫賣The shops in the market peddle a variety of local foods.
* Vacuum cleaner salesmen peddle from door to door trying to sell their product.
*The drug dealer was arrested last weekend for peddling drugs to an undercover police officer.
swipe (v)-刷卡的動作 swiped, swiping
To get onto the train, passengers swipe their ticket at the entrance gate.
*All you have to do to enter the office building is swipe your ID card.
*The clerk swiped the credit card several times but it was continuously rejected.
non-refundable (adj) - Charlene can return the bottled water to the store, but the fruit is non-refundable.
*The application fee is non-refundable whether you're accepted or not.
refundable (adj)- 可以退還的
The apartment deposit is only refundable for two weeks. After that you can't get your money back.
Chat Room
semi- half or part of , half circle.
semi circle-半圓的
semi sweet-微甜的
semi final-準決賽
semi-automatic-半自動
semi-monthly meeting 一個月二次
"bi"： bi-weekly, every other week, every two weeks.
semi-weekly: two times a week
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Holiday Movies
歲末強檔電影Don't miss these movies headed to your local theater 冬季強檔電影搶先看by Drew Devlin
Hollywood rolls out its best during the summer and winter holidays. Audiences flock to theaters to see films, often with big-name actors, as they hit the big screen. See what’s coming to your local theater during this holiday movie season – it starts now!
Two movies featuring famous characters from literature will draw people in. A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ famous tale of a miser who has a change of heart. In the film, funnyman Jim Carrey plays several roles: Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet-to-Come. The film uses the 3-D format, which will bring moviegoers face-to-face with Victorian London in a way never experienced before.
In Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. portrays the most famous detective in literature . This new film is based on characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Downey, as Holmes, plays the brilliant detective who also has good fighting skills. When a deadly plot threatens England. Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law), race to save the day.
Animated films
This Christmas, Disney rolls out a new animated princess film. The princess and the Frog. This musical fairy tale marks a return to the same hand-drawn animated style as early Disney films. set in New Orleans, the story follows a princess who kisses a frog and undergoes an amazing change.
In Fantastic Mr. Fox, the Fox family lives under a hill with Badger, Weasel and Rabbit and their families. Mr. Fox uses his wits to take food from three farmers. They then try to "outfox" Mr. Fox George Clooney voices Mr. Fox. Avatar is a futuristic science-fiction story. On a far-away planet, a reluctant hero takes on the challenge of saving civilizations. The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences. In Planet 51, an American astronaut lands on Planet 51. He is shocked to find a happy community of little green aliens living there. What's even more shocking is that the aliens live in a manner very similar to American life in the 1950s.
More Info
Over the years, some of Hollywood's holiday movies have become so popular that they're now considered classics-like 1946's.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, starring Jimmy Stewart. And, who can forget little Natalie Wood in the heart-warming MIRACLE ON 34 TH STREET? Another classic Christmas Movie is 1954's WHITE
CHRISTMAS with Bing Crosby. This holiday season why not rent one of these classic movies and get into the holiday spirit?
Grammar
The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art=the highest level available.
the film has special effects that are at the movie industry's highest level and will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art sound system
state-of-the-art research laboratory.
state-of-the-art security system.
state of the art- is refer to the highest level of development.
Charles' small new laptop is an example of the state of the art in computer technology.
Nowadays, the state of the art in wireless communication allows people to receive their email on their cell phones very quickly.
Vocabulary
literature (n)-文学，文学作品 Reading great literature can improve your writing and vocabulary.
*My professor specializes in classic British literature.善于或专精于．．古典文学
*The author's most famous piece of literature criticizes racism.
format (n)- 形式Today, most people prefer the DVD format to videotapes.
*If you have seen this director's movies before, you're familiar with his unique format.
*The meeting will be conducted in our regular format.
*The file is saved in a compressed format.压缩
portray (v)-The actor portrayed the character in the play very realistically.
plot (n)-电影或故事的情节 ，也指阴谋The movie's plot was filled with adventure and romance.
*The plot of the movie is too complicated for most audiences.
*In the middle of the navel the plot starts to develop in a surreal way.超现实
*The plot to assassinate the president was discovered by the FBI.刺杀．．阴谋
draw- attract
3 D-three dimensional
miser - stingy person, unhealthily desire to keep money.
fantastic (n)-extremely well. new idea of Mr. Allen's is fantastic!
wits (pl n)-intelligent
The street child didn't have any education; he lived by his wits.
reluctant (adj)-not volunteer
The child was very reluctant to go to bed since the movie was not yet over.
*We reluctant helpers not only didn't help, but they also became a problem.
*The people in the town are reluctant to accept the new policy
alien (n)-foreign, creature from outer space
Some people believe that alien's live on other planets.
*E.T. is one of the most recognized movie aliens of all time.
*Many people claim that they've seen aliens.
an alien culture.
science-fiction: 科幻小說
*Bob loves science-fiction movies.he has a huge collection.
*The science fiction navel was a best-seller last summer.
Chat Room
flock-群 a flock of ...一群
flock usually call a group of animals such as sheep, goats, or birds travel together.
a flock of sheep/goats/birds
不同的动物用不同的字来叫＂一群＂
herd- call a group of cattle or wild animal such as elephants, zebras, whales or seals.
a herd of cattle/elephants/zebras/whales/seals.
pack-refer a group of wolves and dogs ( wild dogs) a pack of wolves/hunting dogs/wild dogs.
有一些动物有特别的名称
gaggle-call a group of geese.- a gaggle of geese
school-call a group of fish- a school of fish
pride- call a group of lions - a pride of lions
----------
badger(n) -badger (v) someone into verb+ing
badger someone + infinitive
weasel(v) out-avoid to do something you should do. weasel(n)
to badger someone-repeatedly bothering people
weasel out of doing something-slyly to avoid to do something.
monkey around-調皮搗蛋
ram-hit with force
hog -霸佔-to hog something
Hollywood rolls out its best during the summer and winter holidays. Audiences flock to theaters to see films, often with big-name actors, as they hit the big screen. See what’s coming to your local theater during this holiday movie season – it starts now!
Two movies featuring famous characters from literature will draw people in. A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens’ famous tale of a miser who has a change of heart. In the film, funnyman Jim Carrey plays several roles: Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet-to-Come. The film uses the 3-D format, which will bring moviegoers face-to-face with Victorian London in a way never experienced before.
In Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. portrays the most famous detective in literature . This new film is based on characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Downey, as Holmes, plays the brilliant detective who also has good fighting skills. When a deadly plot threatens England. Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law), race to save the day.
Animated films
This Christmas, Disney rolls out a new animated princess film. The princess and the Frog. This musical fairy tale marks a return to the same hand-drawn animated style as early Disney films. set in New Orleans, the story follows a princess who kisses a frog and undergoes an amazing change.
In Fantastic Mr. Fox, the Fox family lives under a hill with Badger, Weasel and Rabbit and their families. Mr. Fox uses his wits to take food from three farmers. They then try to "outfox" Mr. Fox George Clooney voices Mr. Fox. Avatar is a futuristic science-fiction story. On a far-away planet, a reluctant hero takes on the challenge of saving civilizations. The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences. In Planet 51, an American astronaut lands on Planet 51. He is shocked to find a happy community of little green aliens living there. What's even more shocking is that the aliens live in a manner very similar to American life in the 1950s.
More Info
Over the years, some of Hollywood's holiday movies have become so popular that they're now considered classics-like 1946's.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, starring Jimmy Stewart. And, who can forget little Natalie Wood in the heart-warming MIRACLE ON 34 TH STREET? Another classic Christmas Movie is 1954's WHITE
CHRISTMAS with Bing Crosby. This holiday season why not rent one of these classic movies and get into the holiday spirit?
Grammar
The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art=the highest level available.
the film has special effects that are at the movie industry's highest level and will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art sound system
state-of-the-art research laboratory.
state-of-the-art security system.
state of the art- is refer to the highest level of development.
Charles' small new laptop is an example of the state of the art in computer technology.
Nowadays, the state of the art in wireless communication allows people to receive their email on their cell phones very quickly.
Vocabulary
literature (n)-文学，文学作品 Reading great literature can improve your writing and vocabulary.
*My professor specializes in classic British literature.善于或专精于．．古典文学
*The author's most famous piece of literature criticizes racism.
format (n)- 形式Today, most people prefer the DVD format to videotapes.
*If you have seen this director's movies before, you're familiar with his unique format.
*The meeting will be conducted in our regular format.
*The file is saved in a compressed format.压缩
portray (v)-The actor portrayed the character in the play very realistically.
plot (n)-电影或故事的情节 ，也指阴谋The movie's plot was filled with adventure and romance.
*The plot of the movie is too complicated for most audiences.
*In the middle of the navel the plot starts to develop in a surreal way.超现实
*The plot to assassinate the president was discovered by the FBI.刺杀．．阴谋
draw- attract
3 D-three dimensional
miser - stingy person, unhealthily desire to keep money.
fantastic (n)-extremely well. new idea of Mr. Allen's is fantastic!
wits (pl n)-intelligent
The street child didn't have any education; he lived by his wits.
reluctant (adj)-not volunteer
The child was very reluctant to go to bed since the movie was not yet over.
*We reluctant helpers not only didn't help, but they also became a problem.
*The people in the town are reluctant to accept the new policy
alien (n)-foreign, creature from outer space
Some people believe that alien's live on other planets.
*E.T. is one of the most recognized movie aliens of all time.
*Many people claim that they've seen aliens.
an alien culture.
science-fiction: 科幻小說
*Bob loves science-fiction movies.he has a huge collection.
*The science fiction navel was a best-seller last summer.
Chat Room
flock-群 a flock of ...一群
flock usually call a group of animals such as sheep, goats, or birds travel together.
a flock of sheep/goats/birds
不同的动物用不同的字来叫＂一群＂
herd- call a group of cattle or wild animal such as elephants, zebras, whales or seals.
a herd of cattle/elephants/zebras/whales/seals.
pack-refer a group of wolves and dogs ( wild dogs) a pack of wolves/hunting dogs/wild dogs.
有一些动物有特别的名称
gaggle-call a group of geese.- a gaggle of geese
school-call a group of fish- a school of fish
pride- call a group of lions - a pride of lions
----------
badger(n) -badger (v) someone into verb+ing
badger someone + infinitive
weasel(v) out-avoid to do something you should do. weasel(n)
to badger someone-repeatedly bothering people
weasel out of doing something-slyly to avoid to do something.
monkey around-調皮搗蛋
ram-hit with force
hog -霸佔-to hog something
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Seeing Into the Future
放眼未來What everyone sh
SC: How often should you see an eye doctor?
YMF: It depends on how old you are and if you are suffering from any eye problems. If your eyesight is getting worse, you should visit the doctor frequently. The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that disease. Even people who don’t seem to be experiencing problems should get their eyes checked every year.
SC: Is it best to wear glasses, contact lenses or to get laser eye surgery?
YMF: It’s really your choice. If you don’t mind glasses, wear glasses. If you like to exercise or find glasses uncomfortable, use contact lenses. If you can’t endure glasses or contact lenses, you can choose to have the surgery.
SC: How long can you safely wear contact lenses without removing them?
YMF: It depends on the health of your eyes. If you wear contacts for too long at one time, you will have dry, itchy eyes. If you continue to wear your contacts longer than you should, over time they can potentially damage your eyes.
SC: Should your glasses make your vision perfect or just improve?
YMF: It depends on the demands of your lifestyle. If you don't need to see clearly over long distances, you shouldn't wear strong lenses because they will make your eyes dependent. If you need to see clearly over long distances, your glasses need to make your vision as good as possible.
SC: Do sunglasses really make a difference?
YMF: Yes, because ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the cornea, the lens and even the retina. Wearing sunglasses is necessary to prevent cataracts and to limit the effects of the aging process on your eyes.
SC: Does watching TV really damage your eyes?
YMF: The condition of children's eyes is not stable, so watching TV for too long can cause them to become nearsighted. For adults, sitting in front of the TV will cause eyestrain but no real lasting problem.
SC: What can you do to maintain or improve your vision?
YMF: Resting and taking care of your general health are very important. It's also important to have your eyes checked regularly to see if you have any eye problems resulting from aging or disease.
grammar
The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that diseases.
the same is true.
Last year's students had to pay on extra fee for their after school programs, the same is true for this year's students.
When making muffins, don't over stir the batter; the same is true when making pancakes.
Vocabulary
eyesight (n)-the eyes seeing ability. sight is ability to see.
Mary lost her eyesight at an early age but has adapted well to a world of darkness.
associate (v)- 和..有关联.连在一起, 和某人打交道,和..联想在一起, 和谁有关用"with"
People often associate that company with quality service.
*Most people associate this name brand with hip-hop singers.和"嘻哈歌手"联想在一起
*Bob often associates with high school dropouts, which makes his mother worry a lot.和高中缀学生打交道...
laser (n)- John bought a new laser printer because he wanted clear printouts.
endure (v)- with stand, put up.
It is hard to endure difficult situations without the support of friends and family.
diabetic (adj)- 患有糖尿病的. Charles is diabetic, so he avoids sweets. 重音在be
contact lenses-隐形眼镜 contact-接触 lens-镜片 lenses-镜片(複数)
*Gina has been wearing contact lenses since junior high.
*Contact lenses are very pricy, so I decided to buy glasses instead.昂贵的
diabetic chocolate bar.-供糖尿病患者吃的巧克力。
diabetes (n)-
ophthalmology (adj)- eye care. ophthalmologist (eye doctor) study ophthalmology.重音第三音节
seeing into the future- seeing or looking at future; planning or think ahead.
lifestyle (n)-生活方式Frank and Susan have retired and are getting used to their new lifestyle.
*Many people criticize the famous singer's wild lifestyle.放浪的生活方式
*Henry completely changed his lifestyle after learning that he had cancer.知道
*Maintaining a luxurious lifestyle really costs a lot.豪华的生活方式需要花费很多的钱.
ultraviolet (adj) -紫外线的 Wearing sunscreen can help protect you from ultraviolet light.
*Ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin. ultraviolet (n)=UV-紫外线
*Intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.密集曝晒
nearsighted (adj)-near- 近的sight- 眼力,视觉 nearsightedness (n)近视
Jonathan is very nearsighted and often has difficulty seeing the blackboard in class.
nearsighted 近视的反義词是 farsighted 远视. farsightedness.(n)
Laura was diagnosed as being nearsighted.近视的
eyestrain (n)-eye feel tire. over working your eyes.
strain -working beyond the limit. body strain
Erica spends so much time on the computer she often struggles with eyestrain.
cornea (n)-the area around your eyes 眼角膜
cataract (n)-seeing things not clear, it seems there is a think plastic before the thing.白内障
retina (n)-a little circle of your eye.眼网膜.
Chat room
If you are suffering from any eye problems.
suffer from something- is continue the problem, condition or illness.遗患某种疾病是长期性的
Bobby is suffering from a heart disease.
suffer something- refer to experience some problem in a short period of time.短暂的，经历一次
不好的事情。Bobby suffered a heart attack yesterday.
Business suffered losses蒙受损失, Political party suffer defeat. 被击败
---------
eye care -名词当形容词来修饰其他名词时，用单数。
eye problem -
film festival -电影节
women dancers-名词是有关“人”时，用複数. 一个女性舞者.
writers conference-一个作家的会议.
sports arena-名词原本是複数,仍应维持用複数. sports (n) 体育
arms race -refer to weapon, 用複数.武器竞争. arm -手臂, 身体的一部分.
SC: How often should you see an eye doctor?
YMF: It depends on how old you are and if you are suffering from any eye problems. If your eyesight is getting worse, you should visit the doctor frequently. The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that disease. Even people who don’t seem to be experiencing problems should get their eyes checked every year.
SC: Is it best to wear glasses, contact lenses or to get laser eye surgery?
YMF: It’s really your choice. If you don’t mind glasses, wear glasses. If you like to exercise or find glasses uncomfortable, use contact lenses. If you can’t endure glasses or contact lenses, you can choose to have the surgery.
SC: How long can you safely wear contact lenses without removing them?
YMF: It depends on the health of your eyes. If you wear contacts for too long at one time, you will have dry, itchy eyes. If you continue to wear your contacts longer than you should, over time they can potentially damage your eyes.
SC: Should your glasses make your vision perfect or just improve?
YMF: It depends on the demands of your lifestyle. If you don't need to see clearly over long distances, you shouldn't wear strong lenses because they will make your eyes dependent. If you need to see clearly over long distances, your glasses need to make your vision as good as possible.
SC: Do sunglasses really make a difference?
YMF: Yes, because ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the cornea, the lens and even the retina. Wearing sunglasses is necessary to prevent cataracts and to limit the effects of the aging process on your eyes.
SC: Does watching TV really damage your eyes?
YMF: The condition of children's eyes is not stable, so watching TV for too long can cause them to become nearsighted. For adults, sitting in front of the TV will cause eyestrain but no real lasting problem.
SC: What can you do to maintain or improve your vision?
YMF: Resting and taking care of your general health are very important. It's also important to have your eyes checked regularly to see if you have any eye problems resulting from aging or disease.
grammar
The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that diseases.
the same is true.
Last year's students had to pay on extra fee for their after school programs, the same is true for this year's students.
When making muffins, don't over stir the batter; the same is true when making pancakes.
Vocabulary
eyesight (n)-the eyes seeing ability. sight is ability to see.
Mary lost her eyesight at an early age but has adapted well to a world of darkness.
associate (v)- 和..有关联.连在一起, 和某人打交道,和..联想在一起, 和谁有关用"with"
People often associate that company with quality service.
*Most people associate this name brand with hip-hop singers.和"嘻哈歌手"联想在一起
*Bob often associates with high school dropouts, which makes his mother worry a lot.和高中缀学生打交道...
laser (n)- John bought a new laser printer because he wanted clear printouts.
endure (v)- with stand, put up.
It is hard to endure difficult situations without the support of friends and family.
diabetic (adj)- 患有糖尿病的. Charles is diabetic, so he avoids sweets. 重音在be
contact lenses-隐形眼镜 contact-接触 lens-镜片 lenses-镜片(複数)
*Gina has been wearing contact lenses since junior high.
*Contact lenses are very pricy, so I decided to buy glasses instead.昂贵的
diabetic chocolate bar.-供糖尿病患者吃的巧克力。
diabetes (n)-
ophthalmology (adj)- eye care. ophthalmologist (eye doctor) study ophthalmology.重音第三音节
seeing into the future- seeing or looking at future; planning or think ahead.
lifestyle (n)-生活方式Frank and Susan have retired and are getting used to their new lifestyle.
*Many people criticize the famous singer's wild lifestyle.放浪的生活方式
*Henry completely changed his lifestyle after learning that he had cancer.知道
*Maintaining a luxurious lifestyle really costs a lot.豪华的生活方式需要花费很多的钱.
ultraviolet (adj) -紫外线的 Wearing sunscreen can help protect you from ultraviolet light.
*Ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin. ultraviolet (n)=UV-紫外线
*Intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.密集曝晒
nearsighted (adj)-near- 近的sight- 眼力,视觉 nearsightedness (n)近视
Jonathan is very nearsighted and often has difficulty seeing the blackboard in class.
nearsighted 近视的反義词是 farsighted 远视. farsightedness.(n)
Laura was diagnosed as being nearsighted.近视的
eyestrain (n)-eye feel tire. over working your eyes.
strain -working beyond the limit. body strain
Erica spends so much time on the computer she often struggles with eyestrain.
cornea (n)-the area around your eyes 眼角膜
cataract (n)-seeing things not clear, it seems there is a think plastic before the thing.白内障
retina (n)-a little circle of your eye.眼网膜.
Chat room
If you are suffering from any eye problems.
suffer from something- is continue the problem, condition or illness.遗患某种疾病是长期性的
Bobby is suffering from a heart disease.
suffer something- refer to experience some problem in a short period of time.短暂的，经历一次
不好的事情。Bobby suffered a heart attack yesterday.
Business suffered losses蒙受损失, Political party suffer defeat. 被击败
---------
eye care -名词当形容词来修饰其他名词时，用单数。
eye problem -
film festival -电影节
women dancers-名词是有关“人”时，用複数. 一个女性舞者.
writers conference-一个作家的会议.
sports arena-名词原本是複数,仍应维持用複数. sports (n) 体育
arms race -refer to weapon, 用複数.武器竞争. arm -手臂, 身体的一部分.
English - What a Language!
超乎尋常的語言：英語English is a strange language - and some parts of it are stranger than others by Ruth Devlin
Anyone who has attempted to learn the English language knows its inherent difficulty. Some of it makes no sense at all – rules that apply in one situation do not apply in another. Apparent opposites can actually mean the same thing! Take these words and phrases for example:
* A house can burn up as it burns down because burn up means to consume and burn down means to destroy.
* Fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing. Both mean little chance of something happening although the former is more of a slang usage!
*Flammable and inflammable mean the same thing. We now see flammable written on vehicles carrying combustible material, so it's clear the contents can burst into flames.
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in-means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
* Look and see mean almost the same thing also, but overlook and oversee are opposites.
* An alarm clock goes off by going on.
* We recite at a play but play at a recital.
*People come from up north and down south, but never from left west or right east.
*Cleave can mean both split apart and stick together.
There is neither pine nor apple in pineapple, and there is no sense in English!
Grammar
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in-means, "not."...
Where as = in "inflammable" it actually means "into"
Where as use on the contrast of two different idea.
Martha loves to go shopping on weekends, whereas her sister prefers to stay at home.
Thomas spends three hours every night doing his homework, whereas his roommate usually spends less than 30 minutes.
Vocabulary
inherent (adj)-固有，原有，与生俱来的
People appreciate the inherent beauty of Chinese characters.
*This actor seems to have an inherent talent for capturing his audiences' attention.
*There are several inherent weaknesses in the computer system that need to be improved.
assumption (n)-Don't make the assumption that Frank is not a good worker-find out for sure.
recital (n)-Everyone enjoyed Beth's piano performance at the recital.
cleave (v)-劈开，切开，The cook used a large knife to cleave the chicken breast in two.
*He used an ax to cleave a log in half.斧子，木头
*The butcher cleaved the bone and added it to the soup for flavor. 肉贩
*Mary cleaves to the principles of fairness and honesty. 紧紧的抓住，坚持
A man and his wife should cleave together and rely on one another.紧守
combustible-易燃的 can be burn, provide fire, heat, and power.
The combustible materials need to be stored separately in a colder temperature.
*Gasoline vapor is very combustible, so all gas stations forbid smoking.禁止
overlook -疏忽 missing the detail and make mistake on something.
oversee-监督in charge of a project or program.
Chat Room
hot or cold, hot =cool, popular, in fashion, cold means out of fashion, not fashionable.时尚(髦)
slow up and slow down means the same 慢下（上）来
colorfast-means colors don't run 颜色不会退色，颜色不会流失。虽fast-“快”意思
trim-take out a bid, hair get trim, trim one's hair, trim one's nails.修剪，修去一些儿
trim also means decorating, add upon. trim a Christmas tree. 装饰，点缀，有“加添”意思
Anyone who has attempted to learn the English language knows its inherent difficulty. Some of it makes no sense at all – rules that apply in one situation do not apply in another. Apparent opposites can actually mean the same thing! Take these words and phrases for example:
* A house can burn up as it burns down because burn up means to consume and burn down means to destroy.
* Fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing. Both mean little chance of something happening although the former is more of a slang usage!
*Flammable and inflammable mean the same thing. We now see flammable written on vehicles carrying combustible material, so it's clear the contents can burst into flames.
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in-means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
* Look and see mean almost the same thing also, but overlook and oversee are opposites.
* An alarm clock goes off by going on.
* We recite at a play but play at a recital.
*People come from up north and down south, but never from left west or right east.
*Cleave can mean both split apart and stick together.
There is neither pine nor apple in pineapple, and there is no sense in English!
Grammar
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in-means, "not."...
Where as = in "inflammable" it actually means "into"
Where as use on the contrast of two different idea.
Martha loves to go shopping on weekends, whereas her sister prefers to stay at home.
Thomas spends three hours every night doing his homework, whereas his roommate usually spends less than 30 minutes.
Vocabulary
inherent (adj)-固有，原有，与生俱来的
People appreciate the inherent beauty of Chinese characters.
*This actor seems to have an inherent talent for capturing his audiences' attention.
*There are several inherent weaknesses in the computer system that need to be improved.
assumption (n)-Don't make the assumption that Frank is not a good worker-find out for sure.
recital (n)-Everyone enjoyed Beth's piano performance at the recital.
cleave (v)-劈开，切开，The cook used a large knife to cleave the chicken breast in two.
*He used an ax to cleave a log in half.斧子，木头
*The butcher cleaved the bone and added it to the soup for flavor. 肉贩
*Mary cleaves to the principles of fairness and honesty. 紧紧的抓住，坚持
A man and his wife should cleave together and rely on one another.紧守
combustible-易燃的 can be burn, provide fire, heat, and power.
The combustible materials need to be stored separately in a colder temperature.
*Gasoline vapor is very combustible, so all gas stations forbid smoking.禁止
overlook -疏忽 missing the detail and make mistake on something.
oversee-监督in charge of a project or program.
Chat Room
hot or cold, hot =cool, popular, in fashion, cold means out of fashion, not fashionable.时尚(髦)
slow up and slow down means the same 慢下（上）来
colorfast-means colors don't run 颜色不会退色，颜色不会流失。虽fast-“快”意思
trim-take out a bid, hair get trim, trim one's hair, trim one's nails.修剪，修去一些儿
trim also means decorating, add upon. trim a Christmas tree. 装饰，点缀，有“加添”意思
Monday, November 16, 2009
Lend to a Friend?
親兄弟明算帳？What should you do if a friend asks to borrow money from you?by Jeremiah Clark and Chelsea Ewald
American author Henry David Thoreau once said, “The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.” For many people, however, the simplicity of friendship becomes complicated when money is involved, often leaving relationships strained. So if one of your friends asks you for money, should you lend it or not?
Conversation
Adam: The other day, Tony told me he has fallen on some hard times, so he asked if he could borrow US$1,000. I’d really like to help him out, but I know it’s a little risky.
Beth: Well, loaning money to friends is no simple matter, especially when it’s such a large amount. I learned that the hard way and personally believe that you should avoid it.
Adam: But he really needs the money. He makes some bad investment and he has accumulate some debts. On top of that, He has just lost his job, and he is having a hard time to make his mortgage payment.
Beth: I think it's great that you want to help Tony. But this seems like a bad situation. What if he can't repay you, are you willing to loose your money forever?
Adam: To me, the most important thing is to affirm my royalty to him even he has made some poor financial decisions. I want to be to a good friend. I guess I just have to run the risk of losing some money.
Beth: Adam, just going to this with your eyes open. If Tony does't pay you back, are you going to become critical and resented? If he spend money on some where else, are you sure Tony is trustworthy?
Adam: I believe he is. I never question his trustworthy before so why would I start it now? Besides, I recently read the study that says: There is nearly 75% of borrowers paid everything back.
Beth: I hope that Tony is not the part of the 25% who don't, but at least hold him accountable for the loan, you might even consider charge him interest.
Adam: I plan to write it down how much he borrowed and when I expect to pay back. But as a friend, I would never charge him interest. I may even gave him an option of paying the loan in monthly installment.
Beth: That's all very well and good. But what if he miss the payment or two payments or he ask you for more money because he's still having problem.
Adam: I will deal with that if it becomes a issue. In the meantime, I plane to talk to Tony about money management. Perhaps some friendly intervention will be helpful.
Beth: Well, It sounds to me that you have made of your mind. I hope it works out for you and Tony gets back on his feet and you get your money back.
More Information:
Fact: Nearly two-thirds of Canadians have loaned or borrowed more than $500 from friends or family. Not surprisingly, more than one-quarter of the people who loaned money reported that the loans were never fully repaid. Here's another statistic that should surprise no one: about one-third of those who agreed to lend money said they felt pressured to do so.
Some Opinions:
***** "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." Why?
Borrowing money from friends allow you to be indiscipline in your finances.
Lending money to friends, you will run the risk of losing that money as well as the good friendship.
*****Be careful and cautious to lend money to others, and fully know where the money goes.
*****Think the three factors before lend the money out:
(1) Your personal relationship with that person and borrower's personality
(2) Your financial ability-amount of money.
(3) Where the borrow money is going and situation.
***** Friend and Money don't mix, should separate
Lend money to friends is not doing them a favor.
Lend money to friends is harm them instead of good.
Lend Money sometimes will destroy the friendship
Grammar
At least hold him accountable for the loan.
to hold someone accountable = expect someone to be responsible for something
The scientist was held accountable for his own research.
The team leader was held accountable for his team members' performance.
Vocabulary
strained (adj)- 紧绷的，紧张的．strain(v)-拉紧，伸张．
Sarah's relationship with her boyfriend became strained after he forget her birthday.
* When the company lost their biggest client, pressure was put on their strained finances.财务吃紧 * The teacher's expression became strained when her student talked back.脸部表情,紧绷起来
hard time (idiom)- difficult time in finances or other area.
Many people have fallen on hard times because of the poor state of the economy.
accumulated-累积，堆积get more and more over the period of time.
So much snow accumulated on the roads that school was canceled for the day.
*He has accumulated so many things from shopping at the flea market.
*Sherry has accumulated many storybooks during her 25 years of being an elementary school teacher.
run the risk (idiom)-冒险 risk- 风险，危险
If you cheat on the test, you run the risk of getting caught and failing.
run the risk of something -冒某种风险
You run the risk of having to wait at the restaurant if you don't make a reservation.没订位的风险
*You're running the risk of getting lung cancer if you don't quit smoking.
simplicity -simple, opposite of difficulty
fallen on some hard time- encounter something difficulties.
resent (v)- bitter, angry, unhappy, never quite forgive that person.
I resent your rude comment. It really hurt my feelings.
accountable (adj)-responsible.应付的责任
In a court of law, criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
*The mayor needs to be more accountable to the city's residents by being more honest with them.
Hold someone accountable for something-让某人对某事负责．
*The parents should be held accountable for the years of abuse they brought upon their children. 多年虐待孩子
installment (n)-pay a part of large amount money monthly or weekly.分期付款，贷款分期
When Jill bought her car, she agreed to pay it off in 36 monthly installments.
*The monthly loan installment is $150.
in installments-以分起方式 We paid off our credit card in installments.
intervention (n)-介入，干涉taing a part or influence the issue. inter-二者之间
After his friend's intervention, Sam realized he was drinking too much and saw a counselor.
*Early intervention programs can keep at-risk teenagers from dropping out of school.预防方式的协助方案，可以让快要缀学的孩子留在学校．
*The government's intervention failed to stabilize the stock market.未能稳定
get back on one's feet-被打倒了，重新爬起站立．get on track.
Chat Room
simply- (1)仅仅是，只不过＝just, (2)非常的，很．
simply wonderful- absolutely wonderful非常的好
I'm doing simply wonderful-我很好．我非常的好．
This is simply delicious-真的非常好吃．
The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.仅仅是，只是
simple is opposite of complex复杂. complex/complicated 都是复杂的意思
complex- 客观的复杂．the human mind is very complex.大家都认为认得头脑是相当复杂的．
complicated -主观的复杂this game is complicated. 这游戏对我来说很复杂．
-------------------------
in the meantime=meanwhile, 指二件事之间的一段时间,但不能说in the meanwhile.
是meanwhile． 如台风要来，在来之前，要做好准备
in the meantime / meanwhile 是transitions 时间上的转变．
"before, afterward, earlier, later.." 都是很实用的transitions
American author Henry David Thoreau once said, “The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.” For many people, however, the simplicity of friendship becomes complicated when money is involved, often leaving relationships strained. So if one of your friends asks you for money, should you lend it or not?
Conversation
Adam: The other day, Tony told me he has fallen on some hard times, so he asked if he could borrow US$1,000. I’d really like to help him out, but I know it’s a little risky.
Beth: Well, loaning money to friends is no simple matter, especially when it’s such a large amount. I learned that the hard way and personally believe that you should avoid it.
Adam: But he really needs the money. He makes some bad investment and he has accumulate some debts. On top of that, He has just lost his job, and he is having a hard time to make his mortgage payment.
Beth: I think it's great that you want to help Tony. But this seems like a bad situation. What if he can't repay you, are you willing to loose your money forever?
Adam: To me, the most important thing is to affirm my royalty to him even he has made some poor financial decisions. I want to be to a good friend. I guess I just have to run the risk of losing some money.
Beth: Adam, just going to this with your eyes open. If Tony does't pay you back, are you going to become critical and resented? If he spend money on some where else, are you sure Tony is trustworthy?
Adam: I believe he is. I never question his trustworthy before so why would I start it now? Besides, I recently read the study that says: There is nearly 75% of borrowers paid everything back.
Beth: I hope that Tony is not the part of the 25% who don't, but at least hold him accountable for the loan, you might even consider charge him interest.
Adam: I plan to write it down how much he borrowed and when I expect to pay back. But as a friend, I would never charge him interest. I may even gave him an option of paying the loan in monthly installment.
Beth: That's all very well and good. But what if he miss the payment or two payments or he ask you for more money because he's still having problem.
Adam: I will deal with that if it becomes a issue. In the meantime, I plane to talk to Tony about money management. Perhaps some friendly intervention will be helpful.
Beth: Well, It sounds to me that you have made of your mind. I hope it works out for you and Tony gets back on his feet and you get your money back.
More Information:
Fact: Nearly two-thirds of Canadians have loaned or borrowed more than $500 from friends or family. Not surprisingly, more than one-quarter of the people who loaned money reported that the loans were never fully repaid. Here's another statistic that should surprise no one: about one-third of those who agreed to lend money said they felt pressured to do so.
Some Opinions:
***** "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." Why?
Borrowing money from friends allow you to be indiscipline in your finances.
Lending money to friends, you will run the risk of losing that money as well as the good friendship.
*****Be careful and cautious to lend money to others, and fully know where the money goes.
*****Think the three factors before lend the money out:
(1) Your personal relationship with that person and borrower's personality
(2) Your financial ability-amount of money.
(3) Where the borrow money is going and situation.
***** Friend and Money don't mix, should separate
Lend money to friends is not doing them a favor.
Lend money to friends is harm them instead of good.
Lend Money sometimes will destroy the friendship
Grammar
At least hold him accountable for the loan.
to hold someone accountable = expect someone to be responsible for something
The scientist was held accountable for his own research.
The team leader was held accountable for his team members' performance.
Vocabulary
strained (adj)- 紧绷的，紧张的．strain(v)-拉紧，伸张．
Sarah's relationship with her boyfriend became strained after he forget her birthday.
* When the company lost their biggest client, pressure was put on their strained finances.财务吃紧 * The teacher's expression became strained when her student talked back.脸部表情,紧绷起来
hard time (idiom)- difficult time in finances or other area.
Many people have fallen on hard times because of the poor state of the economy.
accumulated-累积，堆积get more and more over the period of time.
So much snow accumulated on the roads that school was canceled for the day.
*He has accumulated so many things from shopping at the flea market.
*Sherry has accumulated many storybooks during her 25 years of being an elementary school teacher.
run the risk (idiom)-冒险 risk- 风险，危险
If you cheat on the test, you run the risk of getting caught and failing.
run the risk of something -冒某种风险
You run the risk of having to wait at the restaurant if you don't make a reservation.没订位的风险
*You're running the risk of getting lung cancer if you don't quit smoking.
simplicity -simple, opposite of difficulty
fallen on some hard time- encounter something difficulties.
resent (v)- bitter, angry, unhappy, never quite forgive that person.
I resent your rude comment. It really hurt my feelings.
accountable (adj)-responsible.应付的责任
In a court of law, criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
*The mayor needs to be more accountable to the city's residents by being more honest with them.
Hold someone accountable for something-让某人对某事负责．
*The parents should be held accountable for the years of abuse they brought upon their children. 多年虐待孩子
installment (n)-pay a part of large amount money monthly or weekly.分期付款，贷款分期
When Jill bought her car, she agreed to pay it off in 36 monthly installments.
*The monthly loan installment is $150.
in installments-以分起方式 We paid off our credit card in installments.
intervention (n)-介入，干涉taing a part or influence the issue. inter-二者之间
After his friend's intervention, Sam realized he was drinking too much and saw a counselor.
*Early intervention programs can keep at-risk teenagers from dropping out of school.预防方式的协助方案，可以让快要缀学的孩子留在学校．
*The government's intervention failed to stabilize the stock market.未能稳定
get back on one's feet-被打倒了，重新爬起站立．get on track.
Chat Room
simply- (1)仅仅是，只不过＝just, (2)非常的，很．
simply wonderful- absolutely wonderful非常的好
I'm doing simply wonderful-我很好．我非常的好．
This is simply delicious-真的非常好吃．
The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.仅仅是，只是
simple is opposite of complex复杂. complex/complicated 都是复杂的意思
complex- 客观的复杂．the human mind is very complex.大家都认为认得头脑是相当复杂的．
complicated -主观的复杂this game is complicated. 这游戏对我来说很复杂．
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in the meantime=meanwhile, 指二件事之间的一段时间,但不能说in the meanwhile.
是meanwhile． 如台风要来，在来之前，要做好准备
in the meantime / meanwhile 是transitions 时间上的转变．
"before, afterward, earlier, later.." 都是很实用的transitions
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