The Downside of Staying Connected

The habit of looking down at your smartphone or tablet could be hurting you
小心長簡訊脖！ - 低頭注視你的智慧手機或平板電 腦的習慣可能對你有害.

The next time you're riding a subway or bus pay attention to your fellow passengers. Chances are you'll see plenty of them with their heads down, tapping the screens of their tablets or texting on their smartphones.

While these folks may be making good use of their time by staying connected, their bodies are paying a heavy price for such convenience. As hand-held devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming more common, users are reporting some new physical problems.

Florida chiropractor Dean Fishman began noticing an increased number of his patients complaining of neck and shoulder pain. He traced these symptoms to the overuse of hand-held devices, specifically the action of bending the neck, and  coined the term "Text Neck." As if the painful symptoms weren't bad enough, Fishman warns that an untreated case of Text Neck could lead to permanent spinal damage. He founded The Text Neck Institute in an effort to treat and educate those suffering from Text Neck. Treatments offered there include chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy and exercise planning.

Ways to prevent Text Neck
In order to avoid or reduce the possibility of getting Text Neck, use the following basic ergonomic principles.

*** Avoid awkward positioning. Don't strain your neck, and stay aware of how your body is positioned in relation to the device.

*** Take frequent breaks when using any kind of mobile device. Many doctors recommend that users change their position every 15 minutes.

*** When using a tablet use a case that can prop up the device at a comfortable viewing angle.

There's an app for that
For those who simply can't take their eyes off of their devices, there is an ironic twist - downloading a special app could help. Dr. Fishman has released an app called the Text Neck Indicator App, which measures the angle of your smartphone. When the angle is appropriate, a green light appears in the upper corner of your screen. But when the angle puts you at risk for neck strain, the light turns red, triggering you to adjust your angle. So go ahead and stay connected, but don't let your body - or your neck - stay in one position for too long.

Grammar Gym"
"....an increased number of his patients complaining of neck and shoulder pain." 

the pattern in a formal way to say something more and more.... "An increased number of (something + verb-ing)".

An increased number of girls getting cosmetic surgery....
An increased number of investors buying property in this part of town....

Vocabulary Tips:
downside - negative result.缺点，负面的效应
*The downside of working abroad is being away from friends and family.
upside - positive result.好处，有利的一面。
*Even though Paul was fired, the upside is that he doesn't have to work for that terrible boss any longer.
make good use of something - use the most of it, not waste it. 善用，好好利用。
*Will decided to make good use of his business trip to see Rome.
symptom - sign of something. what are your symptom when you sick.症状，
*The symptoms of the flu are a fever, runny nose, coughing and muscle pain. 流感。。
symptom -症兆，征兆，症候.
*Constant conflicts are one symptom of an unhealthy marriage. 不断的冲突。
chiropractor (n)- who rub, massage of patients' muscle and treat people's body pain.整脊师，脊椎指压治疗师。
*After one visit to my chiropractor, my back stopped hurting.
chiropractic (adj)- 指压脊椎治疗的。
chiropractic treatment -指压脊椎治疗的治疗。
chances are - possibility.
traced something to something else - follow something to something else. draw a line from one thing to another.
coin (v) - coined, to create, to invent.
as if something isn't bad enough - if this is not bad enough, there is something that is worst.
spinal - main back bone. 脊椎。
massage - rub, back rub, rub the muscle.
in order to ..... (do something) - for ...something. （为了。。）
ergonomic (adj) - specific make for your comfort. something that  is comfortable.人类环境改造学的。
strain -pull it or force it in uncomfortable way.拉伤，扭伤，
* Janet strained the muscles in the back of her leg while hiking.。。。拉伤了后腿的肌肉。。
* Alex strained his back while carrying his son.。。抱他儿子闪到腰（背）
strain -压力，负担。
*Brenda has been under a lot of strain lately.  最近压力很大。
prop something up -support you to keep up a certain position. 支撑，支持某样东西。
prop (n) -道具, prop (v)-支撑。
*Gina propped herself up with a lot of pillows so that she could read in bed.用很多枕头支撑（她可以在床上看书）。
*It is hoped that the new policy will prop up the economy.
ironic (adj) - not expect it means it does.说反话的，讽刺的，幽默地，反常的，出乎意料的。
*His ironic remarks really irritated me. 他讥讽的话语。。惹恼的我。
*It's so ironic to see an independent group being commercialized like this.非常讽刺的。。。商业化到如此地步。
irony -讽刺。
*You can always find a hint of irony in his work.经常在他的作品中看到一丝丝嘲讽。
indicator - a sign that tell you something.指示者，指示器，指标。
indication (n)-a sign that tell you something。标示，指标， 信号。
indicate -指示，标明，标示。
*The color of the outfit Patricia is wearing is an indicator of her mood today.穿着衣服的颜色是显示她今天心情好坏的风向球。
*Oil prices are one of the indicators of inflation.油价上涨是通膨的指标之一。
trigger - pull the trigger, alarm.
in relation to something - refer to position, where is this place from another place.
*Where is the post office in relation to this hotel?

Language Tips:
text neck - 简讯脖。
R.S.I. = Repetitive Strain Injury. 重复使力伤害，重复使用某部为肌肉而引起的伤害。
tennis elbow -网球肘。手肘疼痛。
blackberry -黑莓，
blackberry thumb -有种手机，叫“黑莓机”前几年很风行的， 年轻人用左右二大拇指在黑莓机上不断地打text，而使得大拇指受伤。blackberry thumb 由此而来。
rubik's wrist - 玩魔术方块，大量使用手腕，手腕重复使力，转动而造成的疼痛伤害。
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my arm fell asleep -头伏在手上趴在桌子上睡，醒来，双手发麻。我们可以说my arm fell asleep, 非常口语的说法。
my leg fell asleep -（口语的说法）我的腿发麻。
numb - 发麻，身体某处发麻，正式的说法"numb", "b" -不发音
pins and needles - 手脚由发麻中苏醒，感到麻麻的，又有刺痛如很多的针在扎，就说"pins and needles"
避免姿势不正确而受伤，最好：Don't let your body - or your neck - stay in one position for too long.

Taking note of study "Studio Classroom"

The Art of Mime

In this art form, actions speak louder than words
默劇的藝術 - 在這種藝術形式中，肢體動作勝 於言語

What do you think of when you think of face painted white? A shirt with stripes? White gloves and a black hat? In the West this figure might come to mind when we think of mime. 

Mime is the art of acting without using speech. The word can also refer to a person who performs this art. This type of art has grown and changed over the centuries. What began as a simple form of communication is now a form of theater.

Mime through the ages
Mime is one of the earliest forms of self-expression. As languages were developing, humans still used their bodies to speak. Mime first became an art form in ancient Greece. Silent actors performed everyday scenes using gestures. These plays often taught a lesson about values.When the Romans conquered Greece, they took the art of mime back to Italy. There they made it their own. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, mime survived.

In the mid-1500s mime became a form of street performance in Italy. Mimes wore masks and acted out comedies. Because masks hid their faces, they could make fun of any aspect of society. Everyone enjoyed these performances - young and old, rich and poor.

Mimes also traveled around Europe. Because their art had no words, there was no language barrier. Mime became especially popular in France. French performers created famous mime characters like Pierrot and Bip. These characters helped shape today's mime.

Mime like a pro
Want to try mime? Try communication only through body language; no talking allowed. Watch people's facial expressions and gestures closely and practice copying them. Create a story to act out - this will be more interesting to your audience. No props? No worries! You can create anything you need out of thin air.

The most important thing is to believe your illusion. If you believe it's real, your audience will, too!

Grammar Tips:
"What began as a simple form of communication is now a form of theater."

"What began as a ....is now a..." this pattern is use in formal situation when you talk about something was in a way but now is changed to anther way.

What began as a tiny laboratory in the back of a school building is now a separate research center.
What began as a two-man business team is now a company with five hundred workers.

Vocabulary Tips:
perform -表演，演出
*The band will perform tonight at the prom.毕业舞会。
*The singer started performing in the early 70's.
perform -表现
*John performed well in this project.
communication - a way to keep relationship with people.传播，沟通，交流。
*Facebook opened a new way of communication.
*She had no communication with her parents once she moved out.
communication -通讯。
*Communication equipment.通讯器材，通讯设备。
self - expression :show people what you think, express yourself.自我表现.
self - 自己
expression -表达。
*He sees his poems as an important way for self-expression.
*Fashion is a medium for self-expression.媒介
gesture -手势，姿势。
*The professor loves to use gestures to emphasize his points. 喜欢用手势来强调他的重点。
gesture -用动作示意
*My boss gestured me to close the door. 。。用动作示意我把门关上。
mime (n) -滑稽的动作戏，丑角，喜剧演员，默剧动作，哑剧默剧无声的动作表演。
mime（vi.）一哑剧作表演，扮演哑剧，默剧.（vt.）模仿。
over (time) - something is going on and being last a long time.
*over the years, over the months, over the weeks.
performance -演出。表现 do.
*The actor's brilliant performance won him several awards.
performer (n) - person who perform the work.表演者。
*He's a world-renowned classical music performer.
barrier -障碍，阻碍。a block, block for something, separate from..., put a barrier  between our house and our neighbor, so we build a fence.
language barrier - 语言障碍。
*The couple conquered their age barrier and finally got married.。。年纪差异的障碍。。。
barrier -栅栏，关卡。
*The officer checks the papers of everyone who passes the barrier.
prop (n)- 道具something that support your performance, make audience easy to understand. 道具。
*The play company does their own props.
*The props for this scene are a table, a chair and a vase.
*The props used in the movie were donated to a fund-raising auction.募款。拍卖。
out of thin air -无中生有。凭空的。
thin air - wind, nothing in the air.风，抓摸虚无。
*The fairly appeared out of thin air in Cinderella's room.
*I can't come up with such a large amount of money out of thin air.
mask - a cover that hide your face behind it.
act out (act something out ) (act thing s out )- acting it out with gestures. perform.
comedies - the play is very funny and make people laugh.
acted out comedies-perform comedies.
make fun of something or someone - a kind of jock about something or someone. Be careful, it may not a good idea to make fun of someone who not enjoy or not accept it.
shape - to form, to create, to build up. parents, teachers or books can shape your thinking.
facial - face show some expression we call facial expression- happy, mad, anger etc.

Language Tips:
actions speak louder than words - 行动胜于言辞，言语。。
action -行动
words -言辞，言语
Do as I say, not as I do. -照我说的做，别照我做的做。
monkey see monkey do.-猴子看什么学什么。小孩们也是，所以大人千万不要有不好的嗜好，举止在孩子们面前，不然你若是告诉他“Do as I say, not as I do”. 是无意义的。记住：“action speak louder than words ”。
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澳洲的俚语，因着电影电视普及以及交通发达，很多澳洲的俚语也已被纳入美国英语字彚中，如：
澳洲的俚语No worries = (美国 )no problem.
澳洲的俚语good on you =(美国 )well done. 称赞的话。
澳洲的俚语 barbie = (美国 )barbecue
澳洲的俚语outback - (美国 )偏远，蛮荒的内陆地区。


Take notes of study "Studio Classroom"

Plagiarism: A Common Crime

Are you an idea thief?
剽竊：常見的過犯 - 你會偷走別人的創意嗎？

An Important assignment is returned face-down on your desk, and you turn it over to see a big, red O on it! You did so much research and spent so many nights burning the midnight oil on this paper - how could this happen?

You plagiarized - that's what happened. Plagiarism is presenting another source's material as your own, which students often do, though it's considered to be both theft and fraud.

Obviously if you simply take an online article and call it your own, you are an unrepentant plagiarist. But you will be given the same label if you use just one quotation or concept from another's work without giving credit to the original author. People across the world have had degrees and positions revoked for such actions.

However, you can avoid all of these consequences by citing your sources in the correct format and by confirming you did your work through an online plagiarism checking service. For example, PlagTracker allows you to upload a document and receive a free plagiarism report based on material on all web pages and in its extensive database. PlagTracker is a foolproof way to make sure your writing is appropriately documented and to ensure that you won't be accused of plagiarism.

Grammar Gym:
".....Giving credit to the original author." 
"to give credit " - to acknowledge that somebody is responsible for something.
"to give credit to someone " - the person has done significant work, should let others to know.
Although the talented musician has won many awards, he always gives credit to his teacher.
Nobody likes to be on Harrison's team because he never gives credit to any of his teammates.

Vocabulary Tips:
fraud -欺骗，诈欺。
*He was sentenced for tax fraud.
*She was charged with credit card fraud.
fraud (n)-骗子，骗人的东西。
*All the paintings they sold are frauds.
unrepentant -not regret.  "un" -not, 有“否定”之意。没有悔意。
repentant - feel sorry for what did wrong.悔过，后悔，悔改。
*Eric is still unrepentant about his rude behavior toward his boss.
*These unrepentant teenagers stole from their classmates and teachers again and again.
cite (v)- use someone else's word or article. 引用，引证，引述。
cit your sources - say or state where you see or get information from. 引证来源。
*He cited several renowned writers in his article.
citation (n)- 引证，引用。
*All citations were listed at the end the thesis.
foolproof - you can not be fool, can not go wrong. 简单到愚笨的人都会的，极其简单，万无一失的。
fool -愚笨的。
proof - 能抵挡的。
*Rita developed a foolproof weight loss program.
*The security system is pretty well foolproof.
burning the midnight oil - stay awake all night. 开夜车熬夜。
crime - did something unlawful.
face down - face toward the bottom.
document - record, official record of something.
documented - passport that is your documented to tell where you came from and who you are.
accuse - say that you did it regardless whether you did it or not.
revoke - cancel, change, take back.

Language Tips:
plagiarism -抄袭，本文指“文字上的”
musical plagiarism -音乐上的抄袭。
sample -样品，样本。
sampling -取样。拿歌曲的一小段为歌曲的取样。在美国如果有人取用他人的歌曲取样而作成一首新歌是非法的。

Taking notes of study "Studio Classroom"

Amazing Bridges

 Bringing cultures and people closer together
令人歎為觀止的橋 - 拉近文化與民眾間的距離

Bridges come in many shapes and sizes, from simple spans to architectural wonders. People admire their beauty. The Sydney Harbor Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge draw countless tourists each year.

Bridges area an important part of our transportation system,too. Imagine trying to get to work or school without any bridges! 

Amazing design
While all bridges rely on careful engineering, some attract attention because of their interesting examples of design. The Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany is a wonderful example and looks a lot like an optical illusion. As strange as it sounds, the bridge connects two canals and allows their water to pass over the Elbe River. The bridge works like a "concrete bathtub" and helps boats avoid a long and difficult journey down the river.

Another showcase of bridge design is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in England. The bridge is made of two steel arches that tip up to allow boats to pass underneath. Each time this self-cleaning bridge tips up trash rolls along the bridge and into traps at either end.

Different roles
Bridges do many things in additiong to spanning obstacles. The Khaju Bridge in Esfahan, Iran, illustrates some of the roles bridges play. Built around 1650, the bridge's graceful aches have provided people with a shady meeting place for hundreds of years. In the middle of the bridge sits an octagonal pavilion with an art gallery. It also acts as a dam. By blocking the flow of the Zayandeh River, the bridge provides water for gardens on its upstream side. Steps along its downstream side provide locals with a place for doing laundry.

Bridges in language and culture
Bridges also play a role in the English language. We warn people not to cross a bridge until they come to it and not to burn their bridges.

The past becomes water under the bridge. Culturally, bridges are a symbol of change. The feature in songs like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and movies like the Bridge on the River Kwai. They also feature prominently in stories from around the world.

From transportation to culture, bridges play important roles in our daily lives.


Grammar Gym:
"While all bridges rely on careful engineering, some attract attention because of their interesting examples of design."
 sentence pattern "While all (situation A ), some (situation B )"
While all students have classes from Monday through Friday, some take special classes on Saturdays.
While all tourists visit the base of the waterfall, some take the extra time to hike to the top of the waterfall.


Vocabulary Tips:
transportation (n) - a tool that take people or things to get around. 运输，运送工具。
"trans" -“越过”之意, "port" -“运送”之意。
*Jason takes public transportation to save money. 公共交通（运输）工具。。。省钱。
*The transportation and lodging can be reimbursed afterward. 行住费用。。。
engineering - take math. science  and other knowledge to work together to come out something. 工程，工程学。
*Taipei 101's engineering is revolutionary. 。。工程创举。
genetic engineering-基因工程学。
engineer (n) - person study engineering and some day can become a specialist in the engineering field.工程师。
engineer (v) -设计制造。
*The hybrid car was engineered to save energy.。。。结合油电。。。设计制造出节省能源。
concrete - semen, hard and solid, not easy to break or damage.混凝土的，水泥的。
*The city is full of high-rise concrete buildings.高耸的水泥大楼建筑物。
concrete -solid and firm.具体的。
*The police don't have any concrete evidence to prove the suspect committed the crime.具体的证据。
underneath - something is under.在下面的，或是从地下的。
*I crawled underneath the truck to get my cat.
underneath -（介系词）指在。。。底下，在。。。下面。
*Howard always hides his keys underneath his doormat.
as strange as it sounds - use on something you talk to a person, make that person surprise,can't believe.
canal - men made water way.
The Magdeburg Water Bridge - （德国的）玛格德堡水桥。
obstacle - something is in the way. road obstacle to stop the car. 障碍，障碍物。
*The car hit an obstacle and rolled over.
obstacle + to +noun - 为达到某理想而遇到了障碍，用“to” 后面加“名词”
*The terrible weather is the biggest obstacle to rescuing the hikers.
illustrate - show, drawing to explain.说明，注明。
*The shift in his political position was neatly illustrated by his latest speech.。。。政治立场改变。。
*Let me illustrate my point with this chart.让我用图表来说明。。
illustration -说明，插图。
feature in -时成为主角。
feature (n) -特征，特点，特色，特色之处。
*The actress got famous by being featured in this popular sitcom.。。走红。。受欢迎的喜剧片
*The main feature of this town is this beautiful cathedral.-这城市的特色，特征。。
prominently - very important, stand out that people easy to notice. "pro" - 有“向前”之意。主要的显著的，明显的。
*All the doctor's certificates were prominently displayed on the walls of the clinic.明显的展示在。。
*Child abuse figures prominently in this report. 虐待儿童。。
spanning - to across from one place to another.
graceful - look very nice, it moves or flow very smooth. when people speak with kind word.
octagonal -八角形，把边形的。
pavilion （n)-大帐篷，临时建筑，楼阁，凉亭，阁，休息处。
cross a bridge when ..come to it - deal the situation later when it come up, don't waste time or useless to worry about now.
don't burn your bridges - don't ruin or kill the old relationship, keep a good relationship with people.
water under the bridge - the water pass the bridge will continue to flow, will not stay, it's gone. (your downfall has been forgiven. -you burned the bridge but someone forgive you.)

Language Tips:
optical illusion - 视力上的错觉
optical -视力
illusion -幻觉，错觉。
mirage - is a kind of optical illusion.海市層楼。
auditory illusion -听觉上的错觉
tactile illusion -触觉上的错觉
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up / down - 上/下
upstream -上游
downstream -下游
uptown / downtown -上城/下城。
uptown -市区的北端，远离市中心的市郊或使高级住宅区。
downtown -下城，原本指区域的南端，地理上正好也在下方。现指市中心，商业区的或是闹区。
field -球场。
downfield -上场（要看谁进攻，谁防守而言）
upfield -下场（要看谁进攻，谁防守而言）
upwind -上风，上风的，逆风的。
downwind -下风，顺风的。

Taking notes of study "Studio Classroom"

Maya Moore - Reaching for the Heights

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

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

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

More than teammates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Those are wise words to live and win by!

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

Vocabulary Tips:

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

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

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

association - associate with each other.协会。

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

* Taiwan Visitors' Association.

associate -联盟。联合，使产生联系。

*People tend to associate entertainers with extravagant lifestyles.

opportunity / chance -机会

opportunity -（通常指好的）机会

chance -机会，指好的，也指坏的。不一定都是好事。

*This homestay program gives students opportunities to study abroad.

downsize -缩小范围，减缩，减小规模。

down -向下，往下。

size -大小，尺码。

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

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

teammate - someone else in your team.

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

Language Tips:

be on my side -站在我这边，支持我的。

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

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

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

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

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

Taking  note of study "Studio Classroom"

Sitting Alone

How should you treat an unpopular student?
一個人坐 - 你該如何對待不受歡迎的學生？

Mary and Jane are eating lunch in their school cafeteria.

Mary: It looks like Sally is sitting by herself again today. Let's invite her to eat with us.
Jane: I think our table is full.
Mary: We could pull up a chair and make some room.
Jane: Yeah, but people might notice and think we're friends with her.
Mary: What's wrong with that?
Jane: She's so weird.
Mary: If we sit with her, people will think we're weird, too, and won't want to be friends with us.
Jane: I don't think everybody will quit being our friends just because we're nice to her. But if we invite her to join us, we may never get rid of her! But if we invite her to join us, we may never get rid of her! She'll tag along with us all the time.
Mary: What do you have against her?
Jane: Well, she's unpopular. She's not very pretty, she's painfully shy; she doesn't excel in any subjects, and she doesn't belong to any clubs.
Mary: Maybe she just feels nervous around people she doesn't know. She might be less shy and more willing to participate if someone reached out to her a little bit.
Jane: Maybe. But why does that someone have to be us?
Mary: Why not us? If I were Sally, I'd want someone to befriend me. Woulds't you?
Jane: I guess so, but I don't think we're doing anything wrong by not befriending her. We're not mean to her, and not going out of our way to talk to her is understandable. We can't be best friends with everyone.
Mary: Maybe not, but we can show compassion to one person. It's not that hard to have one more friend.
Jane: We're already pretty busy. Where will we find time?
Mary: We can invite her to join us when we're with our other friends - like to a party or something. And we have lots of time to chat between classes.  Besides, if we get to know Sally, we'd probably discover things about her. She might be really interesting and fun to be around.
Jane: Well, the bell rings, lunch is over anyway.
Mary: I guess it's too late for her to sit with us today. But maybe I'll invite her to hang out with us at the mall on Saturday.
Jane: Ah.... I don't think I'll join you, but have fun.

Grammar Gym:
"what do you have against her?
"To have against someone/something"
What do you have against foreign films?
She has something against sweets.
I have nothing against that person.

Vocabulary Tips:
unpopular -不受欢迎的。 "un" -有“否定”之意， “popular” -受欢迎的
*Increasing taxes is an unpopular proposal but it will solve the problem.
*The movie star used to be unpopular in high school.
weird - odd, strange, not normal. 奇怪的，怪异的。
*The homeless guy's weird behavior is kind of scary.
*Security followed this weird looking guy to see what he was up to.
get rid of - throw away. （事）丢掉，丢弃。。
*We have to get rid of the junk in the garage. It takes up too much space.
get rid of -（人）摆脱，甩掉某个人
*Irene finally got rid of the guy who was following her.
tag along - go with. Can I tag along? Do you mind I tag along? (when you go with them and you are not belong to their group, you can polite ask)
tag -跟从，随从。跟在后面。
tag along -跟从，紧跟。
*Pamela loves to shop, and she wants her husband to tag along.要她先生跟随。
tag along (with)- 紧跟
*Promise you'll let me tag along with you when you go out. 答应我一定要带我去。。。
make room - make a space for purpose. Always can make room for a snack. (or something)
painfully - not feel comfortable.
painfully obvious - very obviously, why can't you just get?
painfully slow that make me feel uncomfortable or don't understand it at all.
excel - very good at something. What do my  excel?
befriend - be friend with, be friend to. -to befriend .....和某人做朋友，像朋友般友善，和善。
*I was befriended by a lovely old lady on my flight home.
*I love to befriend people from different backgrounds, I can learn many things from them.
compassion - a kind of love.怜悯，同情。"com" -“一起”之意 , "passion" -热情
*The girl's heart was filled with compassion for the starving kids.
*The doctor shows great compassion to his patients.
besides - there is more than just mentioned, something more add to it. 除此之外。。还有。
*Besides, if we get to know Sally, we'll probably discover things about her."
discover - "dis"- separate 有“分开”之意, cover - 遮盖。拿去遮盖，即“发现”
*The scientists discovered that the plant's leaves can soothe muscle pain.发现
hang out - spend time with friend outside the school or work. 一起玩，一起做事情 （活动）
hung out - hang out 的过去式。
*Richard and his buddies love to hang out at his place.
*After school we usually hang out at the cafe' for a while.
going out of one's way - someone has a plan to go somewhere but he/she make extra effort or do extra thing  for you.
* I hope you didn't going out of your way to do this for me.
* If it is not going out of your way, would you take this with you to upstairs.
understandable - able to understand.

Language Tips:
Two types of people at the party:
wallflower -壁花，形容不会与人打交道，没有男朋友，被人拖来参加，只安静的坐在角落里的女孩。
social butterfly - 社交花蝴蝶，喜爱交际，与人聊天。（有正面的意思，也有负面的意思）
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Latin is dead - 拉丁语也消失。不再被重视了或使用。但是在某些文章里，还是有人使用拉丁语，如：
status quo -现状，原来的状况。
maintain (keep) the status quo -保持，（维持）现状，原来的状况
maintain the status quo-
keep the status quo -
the status quo - 用"keep", " maintain" ,status quo现状，原来的状况时，要加“the”
persona non grata - 不受欢迎，通常在国际外交上，不受欢迎的意思。。


Taking  note of study "Studio Classroom"

Difficulties in German

My successes – and failures – at studying German abroad
德語何其難 - 我在海外研習德語的成功與失敗經驗.

I will be the first to admit that my German skills are quite poor. As a university student I decided to minor in German. For some reason, I really liked the language, but I was not particularly good at learning it. 

The grammar and word order confused me. Prepositions made no sense. All the nouns had genders and I rarely remembered which noun was which. My only talent was spelling - I got an A+ on every vocabulary test I took.

After two years of studies, I resigned myself to communication in broken German, and signed up to study in Germany to complete my degree. It was the hardest semester I would ever have. Once in Germany, I felt like I was starting from scratch. 

The German I'd learned in university wasn't practical for everyday conversation. My book knowledge fell by the wayside as I figured out the basics of getting around reading menus and chatting with my classmates.

I was constantly on edge at school, worried about whether the professors would call on me in class and whether I'd understand their questions. I only relaxed a little around my eight roommates, who were willing to speak German slowly to me and didn't seem to mind my mistakes.

I had enrolled in four classes - literature, grammar, reading and writing, and history. All were in German and difficult, but the history lecture was the worst. The professor spoke fast almost everything he said flew right over my head. I sat in the front, took notes and even recorded the lectures, but nothing helped.  I had no idea what the class was about.

At the end of the semester, I summoned all of my courage and ask my history professor for a form saying I'd attended the class. He said yes and told all the foreign students who wanted this form to meet at his office at a certain time.

I'd like to say I got the form and took it back to my university for class credit... but I didn't. I was too afraid to be in his office and reveal how little I could really understand I was sure I was the only one in the class at such a low level. So I flaked and skipped the meeting. 

Years have passed, but I still remember how it felt to struggle so hard at learning another language. I think my failures that semester taught me just as much as my successes.

Grammar Gym:
"I will be the first to admit that my German skills are quite poor."
 to be the first to + verb. 
"to be the first to admit." -describe about something that you are not good at it.
Although Tom comes from a family of accountants he'll be the first to admit his math is very poor.
Dr. Nelson is a long-time expert in this field, but he'll be the first to admit he has no idea how we should handle this case.

Vocabulary Tip:
gender -male or female.男，女性别，言语中致词中的阴阳性。
* In French the word for "moon" takes a feminine gender.阴性。
* The book talks a bout the differences between genders。 。。。 .俩性的不同。
resign -give up a bit.  辞职，此为“屈从”，勉强接受，“只能如此的”。
resign oneself to something -只能如何如何。（to+介系词+名词）
*Because I have to work during the championship game. I resigned myself to watching the rerun.只能勉强自己。。
start from scratch -从零开始，从头开始，白手起家。very beginning, make something from scratch.
scratch -起跑点，归零状态。nothing, nothing is prepared.
*After the model for our science project was ruined, we had to start from scratch.
*After closing his restaurant, Dan decided to start from scratch and open a clothing store.
edge -边缘，
on edge -nervous, nerve breaking. imaging a feeling that you stand on the thin ice. or thin edge.很紧张，焦虑，
*Martha was on edge while waiting for the results of her interview.
*Sandra was feeling tense and on edge before the audition.
over one's head -fly over your head, not stay and don't get it.超过自己的头，意即：超过自己能理解的范围能力。
*What the science teacher taught today went over our heads.
*The philosophy lecture this morning was too hard it went right over my head.太难了，非我能理解的。
summon - an authority call you. gather up.唤起，鼓起。召唤。
*After hiking, I could't even summon up the strength to take a shower. I fell asleep on the couch.唤起
*George summed up all his courage and proposed to his girlfriend.鼓起
flake -（很口语的用法）临阵爽约，临阵脱逃。
*Wesley promised to host the banquet, but he flaked and didn't even show up.
flake (n)-碎片，箔片。
*corn flake -玉米箔片。
*flakes of paint-旧油漆脱落下来的碎片。
flake out - 黄牛。
flaky person -靠不住。。
skip -跳过，超过，越过，略过，没有做的事。
skipped/skipping -
*Charlie skipped school and went to a move today.
*Molly skipped breakfast because she got up too late.。。。没吃早餐。。。
book knowledge - knowledge received from book.  not "street smart".
enroll - sign up for something.
wayside - not important. Don't be wayside - take care the important thing. fall by the wayside.
get around - physically know the city and streets, not get lost or confuse, easy to get to all places.
*They get around a lot - they are able to go to many places.
I'd like to say..... -something you did not do which you should do, you regret it.
major -主修
minor -副修。
make sense - understand that.
make no sense - would not understand that.

Language Tips:
talent /gift -天分。
He has a gift for music.-音乐的天分。
He has a gift for languages.-语言的天分。
knack -技巧，窍门。
Steven has a knack for teaching English.
genius -天才。天资更好的，特别的天分。
He has a genius for music.音乐天才。
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If you want to study English well, you need to practice, practice and practice.
reading English text or magazine or something 15 minute a day. Do it regularly and daily.

学英语，不止是勤于练习，还要懂得活用每一个字。 会应用你所学的字，那字才真正成为你的，不是只死记单子。
学英语，勤于练习是不可缺少的。


Taking notes of study "Studio Classroom".