Sunday, November 17, 2013

Ten Fun Things to Do in Singapore

This country may be small, but its possibilities are endless
新加坡十大樂事 - 這個國家或許不大,卻擁有無限可能.

A bustling city. historical sites. Amusement parks. Tropical beaches. You can find all this and more packed into the 715-plus square kilometers of Singapore. If you visit this small but impressive country, here are some sights you won't want to miss.

1. Night Safari
One of Singapore Zoo's most famous attractions, Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural environment. Walk through the park at night for up-close views of animals from seven different geographical zones. Or take a tram ride with a guide who will share fascination facts and stories.

2. Chinatown
This area gets its unique flavor from the wide variety of Chinese people who live there. Beautiful historical buildings and classy restaurants line its streets. You can watch people practice traditional arts from calligraphy to dance. And Food Street offers many delicious snacks.

3. Universal Studios
Enter the world of your favorite movies! This amusement park includes seven zones based on real or imaginary places. Enjoy roller coasters, live shows and street entertainment. You can even meet your favorite characters from Shrek, Transformers and more!

4. Pulau Ubin
Take a small boat into Singapore's past A 10-minute ride will take you to this island where life has remained unchanged since the 1960s. Walk through the streets, lovely forest paths and along quiet beaches. Chek Jawa, the "jade of Singapore," lies on the island's southeastern tip, an area filled with plants, animals and natural beauty.

5. Underwater World
Underwater World is more than just another aquarium. It offers rare opportunities to interact with sea creatures. Sign up in advance to swim with dolphins or dive among sharks. Be sure to feed the stingrays! Extend your hand into the water holding a piece of fish between your fingers. Then watch as the huge, gentle animals swaim up and suck the food into their mouths!

6. Singapore Flyer
The world's largest observation wheel stands 165 meters tall and looks over all of Singapore. You can ride it around or pay more to enjoy a 4-course meal in a special capsule. Or you can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.

7. Fort Siloso
This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past. It contains Singapore's largest collection of items from World War II. Its old tunnels and original weapons will give you a close-up view of history.

8. Jurong Bird Park
At Jurong Bird Park you can encounter 5,000 birds of 380 species and even feed some of them by hand! If feeding birds makes you hungry, you can join the park's parrots for lunch. Don't miss the High Flyers, Show, where birds demonstrate their talents.

9. Forest Adventure
Seeking a thrill or a physical challenge? Try Forest Adventure's obstacle courses. Its Grand Course contains 34 obstacles, including four ziplines. A separate kids' course is available for children ages 5 to 10.

10. Mall's and Markets
Wander through Orchard Road's modern malls that connect underground and stretch for almost 2.2 kilometers. Then try an open-air shopping experience at the Thieves' Market. There you can buy inexpensive clothes, toys and even antiques. With all these possibilities, Singapore is sure to impress you!

Grammar Gym:
"This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past."
"stands as a reminder" - helps people to remember.
Uncle Kenneth's bookshelf full of books stands as a reminder of his days as a professor.
This roadside memorial stands as a reminder to the community not to drink and drive.

Vocabulary Tips:
all this/that and more -  this, that and many many more.
(adj + but + adj)
bustling -('t'不发音)many people are very busy with noise. 喧闹,满乱。
*Grandma has been bustling around the kitchen since noon to prepare our feast.
*Sandra still can't get used to the hustle and bustle of city life.
geographical (adj) -地理的,地理学。
*The island's geographical position is near the Bermuda Triangle.
geography (n) -地区,地形,地势。
calligraphy - 书法。
*His calligraphy looks effortless and graceful.
*Sean won first prize at the calligraphy competition.
*Rita has a special interest in calligraphy.
imaginary (adj.) - 虚构的,幻想的。not for real.
*The patient created an imaginary world in his mind.
*Jason used to have an imaginary friend when he was little.
imagine (v) - 幻想,凭空想象。
imagination (n) - 虚构,幻想。
jade (n) - a kind of very precious stone. 翡翠,玉。
*The museum has a large jade collection.
*The vase was carved of jade.
jade (adj.) -翡翠的
*Francine's jade-green dress is very unique and attractive.
interact - 互动。'inter' -“彼此,互相”之意。 , 'act' -动作。,
interact with -说明互动的对象用“with”。
*The teacher soon found a way to interact with the new student.
interaction -互动。
*The interaction between the parents and their baby is very natural and relaxed.
extended - 伸出,伸展。'ex' -向外。
*This table can be extended.
*Eric extended his hand to greet his guests.
extend - make it longer or make it in a full-length.
*The trail extends seven kilometers.
extension (n) -延伸出来的部位,加建的部分。
*The building's extension will take three months to build.
pastry - sweet dessert make out of flour. 脆而甜的小糕饼,尤指油酥而脆的点心。
*The bakery's pastry is crispy and delicious.
*The pastry's crust is overdone.
*There is a wide variety of pastry on the buffet.
fort -used to use for minatory, now some of them offer for tourists. or a small house protect by surrounding.要塞。堡垒。
*The fort was surrounded by enemies for almost two days.
hold down the fort for someone -替某人负责或处理照料(事物)
*Alex is holding down the fort for his boss while she's away.
demonstrate (v) - 说明,展示。
*The salesperson demonstrated how to use the multi-functional food processor.
demonstration (n) - show how it work or act, give out people a good idea about how to do something.
*The demonstration of the product is clear and simple.
thrill (n) - 惊喜,刺激,恐惧(不可数n),
*The thrill of bungee jumping is incomparable.
*I still remember the thrill of opening Christmas gifts when I was a child.
thrill (v) -使惊喜
Thrilled at seeing their idol, the teenagers screamed his name.
antique -古老的,古董的。
*This armchair is actually an expensive antique.
*The antique watch was a gift from Grandma.
obstacle - something in your way to stop you.
zipline - a lope above to connect two places, you ride on it and go cross.

Language Tips:
spoken language (informal ) : wanna, gonna, gimme, watcha...
written language : want to, going to, give me, what are you.
wanna = want to.
gonna = going to.
gimme = give me.
watcha = what are you.
What are you doing (written language ) = Watcha doing. (spoken language )
Here are some sights you won't want to miss.
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pun -谐音,冷笑话,双关语。
high tea -(英式下午茶)
high tea (pun) -(双关语) 在摩天轮上饮茶。
How do you stop a charging bull? 如何阻止一支冲向你的公牛。
Take away his credit card.
charge - 有“向前冲”之意,也有'支付'之意。
charge - also refer to charge with credit card.
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self -自我
selfie (n) - 自拍照。镜头对着自己拍的(照片)。
Do you like taking selfie?
She just posted another selfie on Facebook. That's her seventh selfie today!
narcissistic -自恋的放应。






Notes taking of Studioclassroom



Saturday, November 16, 2013

Google Glass is a Promising Innovation

Putting the Internet right before your eyes
充滿前景的創新發明:谷歌眼鏡 - 把網路直接連到眼前.

With the arrival of smartphones, our computers moved from our desktops into our pockets. Now, tech giant Google is betting that people will warm up to the idea of wearing computers on their faces in the form of Internet-connected eyewear. This new device, called Glass, looks like a pair of sunglasses from a science-fiction movie, minus the lenses.

The computer that powers Glass is built into the arm of the glasses frame, which also contains a touch pad, microphone and front-facing camera. Glass connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or to the user's smartphone by means of a Bluetooth link.

Users view Glass's display by glancing up at a small prism in the upper right corner of their field of vision. The prism displays the user's timeline, which appears as a row of cards featuring such things as current time, calendar appointments or email notifications.

Users communicate with Glass by using voice commands or by tapping the touch pad. All voice commands begin with the phrases "OK, Glass" followed by specific instructions such as "Take a picture," or "Get directions to Gino's Pizza," Thanks to the use of bone conduction, users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.

Where Glass began
Glass originated as a special project at Google X, Google's top-secret research lab. The first prototype for Glass was a 10-pound, head-mounted display. Later versions looked like swimming goggles with cellphones connected to them. The current version is a slim visor that weighs about the same as a pair of sunglasses.

First impressions
The first group of Glass testers, called Explorers, shared their experiences with Google this past spring. Several users enjoyed using Glass to take hands-free pictures and hear turn-by-turn directions while walking.
Negative experiences included low battery life and the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.

Major concerns
Despite the hype surrounding Glass, many are worried that the device's video recording function could endanger privacy. In response, a handful of U.S. lawmakers requested Google CEO Larry Page to disclose how Google will add privacy protection functions to Glass. Supporter of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do.

Glass will become available to the public sometime later this year or next. Then users can decide whether Glass is a potential spying device or an innovative tool for connecting with others and the Internet.

Language Gym:
"Supporters of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do."
"can't do anything beyond....."
This hotel isn't any better than the last one; it doesn't provide any free services beyond what the previous hotel can provide.
It's useless asking the nurse about the test result; she doesn't know anything beyond what we already know.

Vocabulary Tips:
innovation - discover new things include invention 发明, someone out there with great idea of something.改革,创新,(不可数n) ‘nova'-‘新’的意思,
*The microwave was an innovation that changed the way people prepare food.
*We provide a working environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
warm up to something or someone - slowly to get used to or knowing something or someone to team up or work together. 开始熟悉,熟络,对某对象开始喜欢或接受。
*After a couple of days at the camp, the kids warmed up to each other.
*Many people have warmed up to the idea of shopping online, but some still can't accept it.
field of vision - the area that your eye able to see it. 视野,视力能及的范围。
*A rabbit hopped into the hunter's field of vision.
*Our field of vision was blocked by the tall guy in front of us.
*Traveling can widen one's field of vision.扩大。。视野,眼界。
notification -notify. give you some information. 正式通知,正式发布。。
* Theo received a written notification that his application was accepted.
notify (v) - 通知。
*Henry was notified that he needed to report to his superior at the base.
origin -begining. 起源。
originate -originated 源自,来自。, begin, start at.
*This disease originated in Africa, but it soon spread to other countries.
originated with - 来自某人的想法。
*The idea of the movie didn't originate with the writer, but with the producer.
visor - a piece of covering material, cap. 护目镜,汽车的遮阳板。'vis' -视觉。
*The motorcycle rider raised the visor of his helmet while he stopped at the red light.
*I put down the visor because the sunlight was too bright.
hype - most popular, a trend, people excited about, getting people talk it about and interested it. 高兴致,大肆宣传,报道,天花乱坠。(不可数n).
*The pop star created a media hype while touring in Asia. 媒体大肆宣传炒作。
*A lot of viewers went to see the movie because of the hype.
disclose -make the information to public. 'dis' -不,有否定之意。,  'close' - 封闭
*The agent disclosed to the press the signing of the pitcher's new contract.
*The police refused to disclose the details of the case.
wrap up - make it end, cover with.
warm up - take time to get use to.
prism - small area from light.
turn-by-turn direction : tell you turn right, then turn left, go straight, then turn left and turn right... give a direction step by step.
can't do more than smartphone can do - nothing more than smartphone can do.

Language Tips:
mail / letter : 信件。
mail - 邮件,不可数n.字尾不能加 's', 复数要用(pieces)。
I received seven pieces of mail today.
email (可数n., 字尾可加's' )-电子邮件。
I have 45 emails.
email message -
I have 45 email messages = I have 45 emails.
seven pieces of mail.
seven letters.
mail is included bills, statement, letter and junk mail.
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the public 公众,大众/ public :  公开。
The public is not allowed in. (American) 动词用单数。
The public are not allowed in. (English) 动词用复数
in public -在公众场所。
the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.



Note taking of Studioclassroom






New Ways to Shop for Clothes

Some retailers are creating new in-store experiences
購衣革命 - 有些零售商正在打造全新的店內 購物體驗.

More and more shoppers are buying things online these days, allowing them to avoid aggressive salespeople and long lines at checkout counters. In spite of online convenience, however, there are some items - like clothes - that customers prefer to examine before buying. In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores and bridge the gap between online and in-store retail.

A software company that also happens to sell designer jeans, Hointer has created a fast and painless shopping experience for its customers. The company is led by Dr. Nadia Shouraboura, a former tech executive at Amazon.

Shoppers walk into a Hointer store and select one of the many pairs of jeans hanging down from bars. Then they point their smartphones at the tag and activate the Hointer app, after which they select the size and press "try on. " The app then directs them to a specific dressing room. 

German-made robots retrieve the desired jeans and deliver them through a chute to the dressing room in about 30 seconds. Immediately after unwanted pairs of jeans are dropped through another chute, the "outbox", they disappear from the list in the app.

Grammar Gym:
"In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores..."
' in light of ' - considering; because of.
In light of the investigation, witnesses have been asked not to say anything to the media.
In light of the recent discoveries in the laboratory, scientists are positive they can find a cure for the rare disease.

Vocabulary Tips:
modernize - doing something in a way that up to date. (v) 使现代化。(adj) -现代化,现代的。
*The bank did a great job modernizing its customer service system.
*The company needs to modernize if it wants to stay competitive.
bridge - make a connection between two gaps, make it connection from one point to another point.
gap - big difference, big space.
to bridge the gap - there is a space need to made a bridge.(桥梁)-把缺口,裂口连接起来。消除隔阂或分歧。
*The policy was designed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. 政策。。弥补贫富差距。
*The book talks about ways to bridge the generation gap.代沟
retailer - whole sale.
in light of - because of ..
in spite of - even though something is true but still would not prevent people to do that.
... happen to... - something happen is not expected.
chute (n) 'sut'- passage way 紧急滑道, laundry chute. 斜槽,滑道。斗坡道。
painless - without pain, not difficult.
activate - start, begin, make it start, begin to use it.启动(个人密码),开卡,开户。 "act" -行动。

Language Tips:
long lines at checkout counters -
line - 线,此指‘队伍’。
queue -‘队伍’ (英式英语)
jump the queue (英国) = cut in line (美国).
Please Wait Here for the Next Available Agent.


Note taking of Studioclassroom

Friday, November 15, 2013

Mae Whitman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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



Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Good Habits to Have

Sixteen habits to live by
培養好習慣 - 十六種習慣,讓你擁有好生活.

Philosopher Aristotle once said, "Good habits formed at youth make all the difference." It's true that the habits we form early usually stay with us. But it is never too late to learn new ones.

Habits worth developing:

1. Establish a daily schedule:
It's easier to face the day if you know what to expect. Plus, new habits are easier to follow if they are part of your normal day.

2. Eat breakfast
Breakfast provides the fuel your body needs to get started each day.

3. Drink lots of water
Water is good for your skin and helps you lose weight.

4. Exercise
It provides energy, reduces stress and keeps you healthy. But the key to making this a lasting habit is finding an exercise you enjoy.

5. Practice cleanliness
Make sure your hands, teeth, hair, body and clothes are clean. This habit will help you feel better and prevent disease.

6. Take time for your appearance
People judge you based on the way you look. Before you leave the house, take a few minutes to be sure you look your best.

7. Avoid cigarettes, drugs and alcohol
They affect your health, and even worse, they can make your life shorter.

8. Practice good manners
Please and thank you are magical words. They make people happy to help you.

9. Arrive on time
This shows people that you are responsible and that you respect their time.

10. Volunteer
Volunteer your time and/or your money, placing importance on others and their needs.

11. Manage your money
Good money habits will reduce stress and bring financial freedom.

12. Be honest
People will discover that you always tell the truth.

13. Practice the golden rule
Treat others the way you hope they will treat you.

14. Become a regular reader
Reading increases your vocabulary and stretches your mind.

15. Learn to relax
Your mind and body both need times of relaxation. A hot bath or good music can take away stress and help you relax.

16. Get a good night's sleep
Sleep is important because it helps to restore the brain, making your thoughts clearer.

Develop some of these good habits, and you'll lead a happier and more successful life.

Grammar Gym:
"Good habits formed at youth make all the difference."
"to make all the difference " - to be the most important thing in bringing a result.
Using pure cocoa powder to make this chocolate cake makes all the difference!
Making a good first impression when you walk into an interview makes all the difference.

Vocabulary Tips:
philosopher -哲学家。people who study closely on something related to life or religion. 研究形而上的事物。
*Einstein was not only a scientist, he was also a philosopher.
philosophy -哲学。
*Professor Huang is a specialist in Chinese philosophy.
fuel - gasoline for car, energy. 燃料,动力。
*The old truck consumes a lot of fuel.
*The car is low in fuel.
fuel (v) - 供应燃料,激发。
*Ted's repetitive tardiness fueled the boss's anger.
*The train is fueled by coal. 发动是靠煤碳。
disease - (第一个's' 发 'z' )
*Luckily, this highly contagious disease can be cured by medication.
*Scientists have found a strong connection between being overweight and heart disease.
appearance -外表,出现。
appear - 出现。
*Chelsea really cares about her appearance. She spends at least two hours grooming every day.
*The singer's appearance caused a commotion.
alcohol -酒精。
*This drink contains alcohol.
*Bill is fighting against his addiction to alcohol.
alcoholic - 酒精,酒精的。
*These alcoholic beverages shouldn't appear at school parties.
volunteer (v)-自愿,自愿服务。
*Alison volunteered to take care of her grandma.
*Gina volunteered to teach at an after-school program.
volunteer (n) -志工,自愿者。
*Many volunteers participated in the food drive.
relax -放松。
*David took some time off to relax after finishing a big project.
relaxation (n) - 放松,消遣活动。
*Tim plays golf for relaxation.
*Try to find time between tasks for a little relaxation. 在任务的空档里找时间放松一下。
restore -recovery, make it return to the original status.恢复,修复。
*It will take time for her to restore her health after this major surgery.
*Two years after the earthquake, the building was completely restored. 修复。
habit - you do so often that you don't even think about it.
schedule - to do list, listing something you need you do.
stretch - expend.

Language Tips:
listicle = came from " list"  and "article".
listicle - 文章以条列示的说明排列。目录是的文章,或是报告提示中带有列目式的清单。
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Please / Thank you :
When people says "Thank you" to you, you should answer:
"You're welcome.", "Don't mention it", "Anytime", "No sweat", and "My pleasure". 不同答复,适用于不同的场合。有通俗的,也有正式些的。
"No problem" - 是很口语的,只能用在一般至亲,好友或同学。如用在正式场合就会显得轻浮,没诚意。(因为话中有“若是真有问题,我就不会帮忙了”的意思。)
"You're welcome" 在正式场合,还是以最为妥当。


Notes taking of Studioclassroom



Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Saying Goodbye

Losing employees can be tough
當員工向老闆說再見 - 失去員工可能相當棘手.

Ben: Hey, uncle Bob, I'm glad to see you.
Uncle Bob: I'm glad to see you, too, Ben. You look tired. Are you sleeping OK?
Ben: No, I've been having a rough time lately. 
Uncle Bob: What seems to be the problem?
Ben: I'm losing one of my best employees Terry. It's not really a problem, I guess. It's more of an annoyance. 
Uncle Bob: But it's still keeping you up at night.
Ben: Right. He's been with the company for less than six months, and by leaving, he's depriving me of a great worker.
Uncle Bob: He's also creating a lot more work for you. Now you'll have to retrain people or get a replacement for him.
Ben: Exactly, it makes me wonder if I shouldn't have all my employees sign contracts or something.
Uncle Bob: Contracts don't keep employees from leaving, Ben. And if you aren't careful, they can cause a lot of resentment.
Ben: I can see that. But if contracts don't keep employees from leaving, why do so many companies use them?
Uncle Bob: One reason is that contracts can help keep your employees from leaving to work for your competitors.
Ben: How do they do that?
Uncle Bob: Many contracts include a clause that prevents employees from working for a competitor for a period of time.
Ben: That seems like a good idea, but it won't solve the problem of Terry leaving. He's not going to work for my competition. He's leaving because of family problems.
Uncle Bob: There isn't much you can do about him leaving then. But there are still things you can do to make your company more resistant to problems when employees do leave.
Ben: Like what?
Uncle Bob: Well, for starters, you could cross-train your employees.
Ben: What does that mean?
Uncle Bob: It just means you train your employees to do several different jobs. For example, you might train Angela to do Ralph's job but also Ralph to do Angela's job.
Ben: That would give me a lot more flexibility and make it easier to maintain continuity if someone does leave.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, it also makes employees more versatile. You wouldn't have to worry about things like vacation and sick leave, for example.
Ben: Cross-training is probably good for employees, too. It would help them learn new skills and keep them from getting bored with their jobs.
Uncle Bob: That's true. And having happy employees will help keep people at the company.
Ben: Those are great ideas, Uncle Bob.


Grammar Gym:
"It's not really a problem, I guess."
"I guess." - not really sure about what was just said. It's an informal way saying...
"It's not really a problem, I guess" - "I suppose it's not really a problem.
I'm not sure what the plan is for this evening, but we can go watch a movie I guess.
It's strange how Karen just started crying; she must be upset about something. I guess.

Vocabulary Tips:
annoyance -something is kind of bothering you. 使人讨厌或烦人的。
*Mosquitoes are such an annoyance. 蚊子。。。
*Susan thinks dealing with customers is an annoyance.
annoy  (v) - bothering you 打扰,干扰。
*My sister's snoring really annoys me.
deprive -you lost it, it was taking from you. 剥夺,使失去。
deprive of something - something you need is gone.
*Jessica thinks her parents deprive her of her freedom.
*Our competitor has deprived us of our most outstanding salesperson. 抢走了。。
sleep deprive -  need more sleep.
resentment - ('s' 发 'z'音)offend, get angry, mad. 不可数n.,愤慨,怨愤,愤恨。
*George hid his resentment toward his parents.
resent -痛恨。
Fanny resent the hypocrisy found in politics. 政治界里的 虚伪。
clause - it's an official statement that legally bound. 条款,款项。
*There's a clause in the contract that entitles the buyers to a refund if there are defects.
clause - 句子中的字句。
*The sentence contains an adverb clause. 副词子句。
what keeps you up at night - it does not mean that you don't get sleep, it means that something really bothers you, and always in your mind.
losing - lost in the game, here is refer to not going to have anymore. 输赢的输,此指“失去”。
resistant - something against or can be prevented from harm. a water resistant watch. 第一个“s” 发"z" 的音。抵抗,抵抗力。
 resistant to  - 对什么事或物抵抗加“to”
*The paint is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
*This super germ is resistant to all kinds of antibiotics.
cross-train: 交叉训练。'cross' -交叉
*Our department cross-trained us in both marketing and customer service.
cross-training :(动名词)
*Interdepartmental cross-training is quite effective.
continuity (n)  - continue and not to break down,something does not change for a long time and stay staple.持续性,连贯性。
*There has been no continuity in this course because we have had three different teachers.
*To maintain continuity in this sequel the producer used the director of the original movie.
versatile - more functional. 多功能的。多才多艺的。 'vers' -turn,“转”之意
*Sherry is a versatile entertainer who can sing and act. 多才多艺的的艺人。
versatility (n) -多才多艺的
*Hank's versatility made him stand out as an athlete. 极其出众的运动员
prohibit - not allow. stop from something.

Language Tips:
hello/ hi / dear - 后面都要带上人名(礼貌)
hey - very casual, 和很熟的人打招呼。
Hey, Uncle Bob.
hey - 不宜使用在对方是初次见面的人和年长的。
Hello Michelle.
Hey Gabe.
Hi Steve.
dear - 写信给第一次通信,未曾见过面的,还是用dear 较合适。
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tough / rough :
tough - something is very difficult.
rough - something is very difficult, also with a lots of problems.
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employee -受雇人。
"ee" / "er" - 接受的人/付出给与的人. 动词后面加"ee" / "er"
employ -雇佣。
train -训练
trainee - 受训的人。
trainer - 教官,训练人的人。
exam - 考试
examinee -考生。应考者。
examiner - 考官。出题目的人。
"ee" 不是可以用在任何动词后面的。如:
murder- 谋杀
murderer -谋杀的执行人。但是被谋杀的人不能说murderee.




Taking notes of StudioClassroom


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Make Your Brain Smarter

 Tips for developing an exercise plan for your brain
讓大腦更聰明 - 擬定鍛鍊大腦計畫的訣竅.

You know that eating a sensible diet and getting plenty of exercise help make your body healthy and strong. But did you know that there are ways to make your brain healthier and smarter?

Studies show that when the brain is compelled to do something new, it creates new neural pathways. The more pathways you have, the faster you can think and the better memory you will have. 

Ten steps toward a smarter brain Limit your TV viewing.
Watching an average TV show requires very little brain power and brings the same result as neglecting physical exercise. Your brain will become weak just as your muscles do. If you watch TV, choose something educational and informative.

Travel
Traveling to a new country forces you to see and do things in a new way, providing stimulation to the brain.

Learn a new language 
Acquiring a new language involves different learning methods. Learning a language sharpens your brain and helps prevent memory problems in later years.

Master a new subject
Each week, select an animal, a bird or a fish, and read everything you can about it. Stretch your brain as you become an expert on the subject.

Use your non-dominant hand 
If you are right-handed, use your left hand for everyday activities, or use your right hand if you are left-handed. Doing familiar things in a new way will cause your brain to create new neural networks.

Read often 
As you read, take the time to look up people or places that aren't familiar. Reading expands your vocabulary if you search for words and definitions that you don't know.

Do puzzles
According to the Mayo Clinic, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles keeps the brain sharp into your senior years.

Calculate while you shop
As you put things in your grocery cart, total everything in your head. See how close you get to the actual total.

Play video games
Studies have found that certain video games force you to use critical decision-making skills and can even improve students' math scores.

Tweet!
Read messages from people who represent a wide range of interests. And some say that learning to express yourself in just 140 characters is a great brain challenge!

So get in the habit of challenging your brain, and make yourself smarter!

Grammar Gym:
"Watching an average TV show requires very little brain power and brings the same result as neglecting physical exercise."
[doing something] requires [something ] and brings the same result as [doing something else].
The new kind of artificial lawn requires very little care and brings the same result as having real grass.
Taking care of a cactus requires very little effort and brings the same result as having other kinds of plants.

Vocabulary Tips:
compel - forced you must to do it or have to do it. 迫使,使不得不。
compelled / compelling - 迫使,强迫。
*The company compelled all their employees to work overtime on weekends.
*The government was compelled to lower the tax rate during the recession.
informative - provide information or education that you can learn from it. 提供信息,增长见闻的。
inform (v)-notify you.通知
*The film is not only informative, but also very entertaining.
*The tour book is quite informative and practical.
involve -be a part of something.牵涉,包容,参与。 'in' -使如何。。。 'volve' -卷入。旋转。
*The project involves several departments and hundreds of workers.
*Many politicians were involved in this scandal.丑闻。
sharpen -make it sharper. 使锐利。使尖锐,使敏锐。
sharp -锐利。
*Scott's presentation skill were sharpened at the conference.
*The girl's voice sharpened when her sister argued with her.
sharpen your brain - sharpen your mind, make your brain think faster and quicker to response.
step toward something - is positive thing, that you get better or close to your goal near.
dominant - control, the hand you usually you use it.支配,统治。或是贯用的,占优势的。 'domin' - in charge. -有‘支配,统治’之意。
*My right hand is my dominant hand.贯用的,占优势的
*Teresa was a dominant figure in the fashion business back in the 90's.
dominate - in charge.控制,支配。
*Brenda tends to dominate her children and won't let them make any decisions.
look up - look it up to get more knowledge. 这儿不是‘往上看’之意,此为‘查阅,查询,翻看,查看。
*Sean looked up the meaning of this word on his online dictionary website.
*The boss looked up the employee's address in his file.
in the habit of something - something usually you like to do or you will do it.
critical - important, in a danger situation. 严重的,有危险的,危急的。关键性的
*Getting this loan is critical to the survival of our company.关键性的
*The troops are in a critical state and need help.危险的,危急的
*The patient is in critical condition.危险的,危急的
tweet -express yourself in just a few words.在网上推文。
*The singer tweeted that he is preparing for his second album.
tweet -小鸟的吱吱鸣叫。
*I heard the baby birds tweeting in my backyard.
total (v) ,(n) - total (v) up, the total (n) is...
get out of the something / get in the something.. - get out of the bad habit and get in the good habit of something.

Language Tips:
brain -头脑。大脑。
brain -聪明有头脑的。很聪明,很会用头脑的。
John is the brain of the family. 。。。他家的智囊(星)
brains -智慧。
brawn - strong in muscles.肌肉发达的,
brains vs. brawn -智慧对上了肌肉四肢发达的。 有时事情只靠肌肉的发达行不通时,就要靠智慧去解决了。
a no-brainer - 不是指“没头脑,不用头脑的人”,而是指“有些问题简单的不得了,根本不用去经过脑子就可以回答的了。”
That's a no-brainer - 根本不用想,我就可以告诉你答案了或是我就可以回答你了。
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every day / everyday :
every day: 每一天,
I get up at seven every day.
everyday (adv.) -平常,一般,通常,日常的。
everyday people - 一般的人们。
everyday activities -日常的活动。



Notes taking of Studioclassroom