In Love With Coffee, Dating the Library
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 my memories.
stereotype n. 刻板印象
eg: The most common stereotype of men is that they don't emotion.
eg: He doesn't fit the stereotype of an athlete. He's considerably studious and quiet.
eg: The film exposes the many ways that racial stereotypes can hurt people.
despite prep. 不管/儘管/任憑
eg: Despite training hard for the race, Hilary came in 3rd place.
over the edge 瀕臨精神崩潰
eg: The last work assignment Shelley was given put her over the edge. So she quit her job immediately.
eg: He went over the edge after his girlfriend broke up with him.
eg: I'm afraid he might be pushed over the edge when he finds out he's getting fired.
fatigue n. 疲勞/勞累
eg: Paul's first four weeks in the army were filled with pain and fatigue, so all he thought about was sleep.
obsess v. 使著迷/纏住
eg: Horrible childhood memories obsessed Debra for years.
eg: Ellen is obsessed with money. She doesn't care about anything else.
//== Chat Room ==//
hit home 擊中要害/觸擊痛處
homesick
=> 重音在前是"想家"
=> 重音在後是"在家生病"
hit bottom 跌到谷底
=> 廣義用在國家經濟或個人表現
hit the nail on the head 一針見血/說得中肯/打中要害
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
I feel close to going over the edge because of my schedule and all of the homework.
=> He feels like he is almost going over the edge because of his schedule and all of the homework.
feel close to + verb-ing
=> how an action or situation is almost happening
eg: Fred is close to solving the riddle.
eg: The research team is close to discovering a cure for the disease.
eg: Tina is not close to being done with her project.
eg: The secretary is not close to finishing his morning assignments.
2009年11月30日 星期一
2009年11月28日 星期六
20091128 I Bought It From a Vending Machine (1)
I Bought It From a Vending Machine
Vending machines don't just sell junk food anymore
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."
vendor n.
=> a person that sell things
vending machine n.
=> a machine that you put your money into, push a buttom and something come out of it
eg: Ted is angry because the vending machine took his money - again.
peddle v. 叫賣/兜售
=> try to sell you something
eg: The shops in the market peddle a variety of local foods.
eg: Vacuum cleaner salesmen peddle from door to door(挨家挨戶) trying to sell their product.
eg: The drup dealer was arrested last weekend for peddling drugs to an undercover police officer(假扮買家的警察).
swipe v. 刷卡的動作
swipe swiped swiped swiping
swipe a credit card 刷卡
eg: To get onto the train, passengers need to swipe their tickets at the gate.
eg: All you have to do to enter the office building is swipe your ID card.
eg: The clerk swiped the credit card several times but it was continuously rejected.
refundable adj. 可以退還的
eg: The apartment deposit is only refundable for two weeks. After that you can't get your money back.
non-refundable adj. 不可退還的/不可償還的
=> you cannot get your money back
eg: Charlene can return the bottled water to the store, but the fruit is non-refundable.
eg: The applicantion fee is non-refundable whether you're accepted or not.
condominium n. 【美】各戶有獨立產權的公寓(大廈)
=> a place that you would live, kind of like a apartment
//== Chat room ==//
semi-
=> 來自拉丁語指"half"
=> used to mean partly
=> 表示一半或是部份的
eg: semi-chocolate
eg: semi-finals 準決賽
eg: semi-automatic 半自動的
eg: semi-sweet 微甜的
bi-
=> twice or every two
=> 兩次或是每兩個
=> 如果要避免混淆則
=> 每週兩次最好用 semiweekly
=> 兩週一次最好用 every two weeks
eg: biweekly 兩週一次或是每週兩次
monthly 每個月一次地
semimonthly 每個月兩次地
//== Grammer on the go ==//
Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises.
among other things 除了別的以外
eg: The art exhibition was, among other things, a very creative expression of the artist's interpretation
of current events.
eg: Janie is responsible for many chores; she needs to do the dishes, mop the floor, and take out the trash,
among other things.
//== Did You Know ==//
How old is the vending machine? Believe it or not, the first document vending dates back to about 215 B.C., when the mathematician hero invented a device that accepted bronze coins and dispensed holy wather in the temples of Alexandria, Egypt. In A.D. 1076, Chinese inventors developed a coin-operated pencil vendor. Coin-activated tobacco boxes appeared in English taverns during 1700s.
dispense v. 分配/分發/施給
tavern n. 小酒館/小客棧
Vending machines don't just sell junk food anymore
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."
vendor n.
=> a person that sell things
vending machine n.
=> a machine that you put your money into, push a buttom and something come out of it
eg: Ted is angry because the vending machine took his money - again.
peddle v. 叫賣/兜售
=> try to sell you something
eg: The shops in the market peddle a variety of local foods.
eg: Vacuum cleaner salesmen peddle from door to door(挨家挨戶) trying to sell their product.
eg: The drup dealer was arrested last weekend for peddling drugs to an undercover police officer(假扮買家的警察).
swipe v. 刷卡的動作
swipe swiped swiped swiping
swipe a credit card 刷卡
eg: To get onto the train, passengers need to swipe their tickets at the gate.
eg: All you have to do to enter the office building is swipe your ID card.
eg: The clerk swiped the credit card several times but it was continuously rejected.
refundable adj. 可以退還的
eg: The apartment deposit is only refundable for two weeks. After that you can't get your money back.
non-refundable adj. 不可退還的/不可償還的
=> you cannot get your money back
eg: Charlene can return the bottled water to the store, but the fruit is non-refundable.
eg: The applicantion fee is non-refundable whether you're accepted or not.
condominium n. 【美】各戶有獨立產權的公寓(大廈)
=> a place that you would live, kind of like a apartment
//== Chat room ==//
semi-
=> 來自拉丁語指"half"
=> used to mean partly
=> 表示一半或是部份的
eg: semi-chocolate
eg: semi-finals 準決賽
eg: semi-automatic 半自動的
eg: semi-sweet 微甜的
bi-
=> twice or every two
=> 兩次或是每兩個
=> 如果要避免混淆則
=> 每週兩次最好用 semiweekly
=> 兩週一次最好用 every two weeks
eg: biweekly 兩週一次或是每週兩次
monthly 每個月一次地
semimonthly 每個月兩次地
//== Grammer on the go ==//
Among other things, the Semi-Automatic peddles T-shirts, consumer electronics and dinner cruises.
among other things 除了別的以外
eg: The art exhibition was, among other things, a very creative expression of the artist's interpretation
of current events.
eg: Janie is responsible for many chores; she needs to do the dishes, mop the floor, and take out the trash,
among other things.
//== Did You Know ==//
How old is the vending machine? Believe it or not, the first document vending dates back to about 215 B.C., when the mathematician hero invented a device that accepted bronze coins and dispensed holy wather in the temples of Alexandria, Egypt. In A.D. 1076, Chinese inventors developed a coin-operated pencil vendor. Coin-activated tobacco boxes appeared in English taverns during 1700s.
dispense v. 分配/分發/施給
tavern n. 小酒館/小客棧
2009年11月27日 星期五
20091127 The Santa Claus World Championship (1)
The Santa Claus World Championship
What does it take to be a world champion Santa
Do you have a talent for decorating gingerbread houses? Are you a whiz at climbing chimneys? Most importantly, can you race donkeys? If so, you may have a chance of becoming the next Santa Claus World Champion!
Held in Samnuan, Switzerland, the Clau Wau Santa Claus World Championship takes place today and tomorrow. Several four-person teams of Santa Clauses from around the world gather in the small ski village. The event begins with the teams presenting themselves in a Santa Claus parade. Then competitions test participants in essential "modern Santa skills."
For example, in donkey trekking, each competing Santa rides a donkey and carries a bag full of gifts. The challenge is to be faster than the other Santas and deliver the gifts to the right people. The competition ends with a Santa show, in which teams compete for the approval of the audience. Teams are judged on things like creativity, team spirit, and of course, speed. The winners earn the right to be called the Santa Claus World Champions. Not cut out for riding donkeys or climbing chimneys? Come and enjoy watching the hilarious competition anyway There's no better way to get in the mood for Christmas!
whiz n. 高手/奇才
whiz at
=> good at doing something
eg: Steve is a whiz at math, He even compotes in math competitions.
eg: Mark is such a whiz at math that he competed in his school's tournament and won.
eg: Frank is the computer whiz in our school. Sometimes, the teachers even asked him for help.
essential adj. 必要的,不可缺的;本質的,實質的;基本的
eg: Be sure to pack underwear for trip. It's essential!
approval n. 讚許/肯定
=> give your good opinion
eg: Sam's dance performance won the approval of the judges in the talent show.
eg: Children often seek their parents' approval.
eg: The teacher showed her approval by giving her student stickers(貼紙) whenever they listened well.
approval n. 批准
eg: You need your supervisor's approval to leave early.
be cut out for something 適合做某事(常用在否定句)
=> skill at it
eg: I don't like science, so I'm not cut out for being a doctor.
eg: I'm not cut for any job related to numbers. I could never be a banker or an accountant!
eg: Ron is not cut out for the army. He is lazy and complains a lot.
gingerbread n. 薑餅
gingerbread adj 華而不實的
parade n. 遊行
trek v. 艱苦跋涉
=> go a hard journey on foot
hilarious adj. 歡鬧的/熱鬧的
eg: The night market in the street is hilarious every Saturday night.
//== Chat Room ==//
get in the mood 進入某種心情
He's in a good mood. 他心情很好
in no mood for 沒有心情
in no mood for kidding 沒心情開玩笑
moody adj. 情緒不定的/喜怒無常的
Mary is in one of her moods.
=> Mary在鬧脾氣
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
if the reader is able to decorate gingerbread house, climb chimneys and race donkeys
=> if the reader isn't really interested nor able to do donkey-riding or chimney-climbing, he or she can still enjoy watching the completion
begin by asking your readers if they can perform certain skills or at least are interested in participating in the activity then you can start describing the activity
you need to have a conclusion
they can still be a "part: of the event
What does it take to be a world champion Santa
Do you have a talent for decorating gingerbread houses? Are you a whiz at climbing chimneys? Most importantly, can you race donkeys? If so, you may have a chance of becoming the next Santa Claus World Champion!
Held in Samnuan, Switzerland, the Clau Wau Santa Claus World Championship takes place today and tomorrow. Several four-person teams of Santa Clauses from around the world gather in the small ski village. The event begins with the teams presenting themselves in a Santa Claus parade. Then competitions test participants in essential "modern Santa skills."
For example, in donkey trekking, each competing Santa rides a donkey and carries a bag full of gifts. The challenge is to be faster than the other Santas and deliver the gifts to the right people. The competition ends with a Santa show, in which teams compete for the approval of the audience. Teams are judged on things like creativity, team spirit, and of course, speed. The winners earn the right to be called the Santa Claus World Champions. Not cut out for riding donkeys or climbing chimneys? Come and enjoy watching the hilarious competition anyway There's no better way to get in the mood for Christmas!
whiz n. 高手/奇才
whiz at
=> good at doing something
eg: Steve is a whiz at math, He even compotes in math competitions.
eg: Mark is such a whiz at math that he competed in his school's tournament and won.
eg: Frank is the computer whiz in our school. Sometimes, the teachers even asked him for help.
essential adj. 必要的,不可缺的;本質的,實質的;基本的
eg: Be sure to pack underwear for trip. It's essential!
approval n. 讚許/肯定
=> give your good opinion
eg: Sam's dance performance won the approval of the judges in the talent show.
eg: Children often seek their parents' approval.
eg: The teacher showed her approval by giving her student stickers(貼紙) whenever they listened well.
approval n. 批准
eg: You need your supervisor's approval to leave early.
be cut out for something 適合做某事(常用在否定句)
=> skill at it
eg: I don't like science, so I'm not cut out for being a doctor.
eg: I'm not cut for any job related to numbers. I could never be a banker or an accountant!
eg: Ron is not cut out for the army. He is lazy and complains a lot.
gingerbread n. 薑餅
gingerbread adj 華而不實的
parade n. 遊行
trek v. 艱苦跋涉
=> go a hard journey on foot
hilarious adj. 歡鬧的/熱鬧的
eg: The night market in the street is hilarious every Saturday night.
//== Chat Room ==//
get in the mood 進入某種心情
He's in a good mood. 他心情很好
in no mood for 沒有心情
in no mood for kidding 沒心情開玩笑
moody adj. 情緒不定的/喜怒無常的
Mary is in one of her moods.
=> Mary在鬧脾氣
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
if the reader is able to decorate gingerbread house, climb chimneys and race donkeys
=> if the reader isn't really interested nor able to do donkey-riding or chimney-climbing, he or she can still enjoy watching the completion
begin by asking your readers if they can perform certain skills or at least are interested in participating in the activity then you can start describing the activity
you need to have a conclusion
they can still be a "part: of the event
2009年11月26日 星期四
20091126 The Importance of Being Thankful (1)
The Importance of Being Thankful
Discover why a thankful attitude is good for you
On Thanksgiving Day, most Americans give thanks. But many experts now agree that people should make gratitude part of their daily lives. Recent studies show that a thankful attitude brings both emotional and physical benefits.
Emotional benefits
According to research, the practice of gratitude can increase your happiness by 25 percent! Thankful people are found to be kinder and more likely to feel loved. They express greater satisfaction in life and more hope for the future. For these people, frustration and fear, resulting from negative attitudes, are replaced by joy and peace.
Physical benefits
Interestingly, gratitude produces a physical reaction in the body. Thinking about someone or something you appreciate produces a calming effect on the nervous system. This action results in peace of mind, reduced stress and protective benefits for the heart. Health advantages include more energy, better sleep and less general body pain.
The biggest benefit, though, is that a grateful attitude makes those around you feel better! Why not begin today by practicing an attitude of gratitude? You might be surprised by how good it makes you feel!
gratitude n. 感激/感謝
=> a feeling of being thankful
eg: I sent Jill a thank you card to express my gratitude for her help.
eg: This bouquet of flowers represents our gratitude for your thoughtfulness.
grateful adj. 感謝的/感激的
= thankful
eg: A grateful child makes his or her parents feel appreciated.
eg: I am grateful that I have such nice parents.
emotion n. 情緒
emotional adj. 感情上的
eg: People with strong emotional health accept responsibility for the things they do.
eg: Helping others provides emotional satisfaction.
emotional adj. 情緒化的
eg: Sandy is very emotional. It's really hard to work with her.
frustration n. 挫折/挫折感
eg: Ben felt his frustration build when he couldn't solve the math problem before the test ended.
eg: Mrs. Smith experienced a lot of frustration when none of her students handed in their homework.
eg: Learn how to cope with frustration at work and don't allow it to get the best of you(別讓它擊垮你)!
nervous system 神經系統
//== Chat Room ==//
pay v. 給予
eg: paying compliments 給予贊賞
eg: pay attention 給予注意
eg: I will pay him a visit.
you get what you pay for 一分錢一分貨
=> 這句話通常用來表示便宜的東西容易壞
pay your dues 支付會費
=> 延伸的意義為一個人加入組織都要先有付出才會獲得同僚的尊敬
pay the price 付出代價
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Thankful people are found to be kinder and more likely to feel loved.
=> Thankful people are seen as being kinder and more likely to feel loved.
find v. 察覺
=> perceive (as)
=> see (as)
eg: Jamie thinks the movie was boring.
=> Jamie found the moving boring.
eg: I find it easier to study when I have music on.
find v. 發現
=> discovery
eg: I found my keys under my bed.
Discover why a thankful attitude is good for you
On Thanksgiving Day, most Americans give thanks. But many experts now agree that people should make gratitude part of their daily lives. Recent studies show that a thankful attitude brings both emotional and physical benefits.
Emotional benefits
According to research, the practice of gratitude can increase your happiness by 25 percent! Thankful people are found to be kinder and more likely to feel loved. They express greater satisfaction in life and more hope for the future. For these people, frustration and fear, resulting from negative attitudes, are replaced by joy and peace.
Physical benefits
Interestingly, gratitude produces a physical reaction in the body. Thinking about someone or something you appreciate produces a calming effect on the nervous system. This action results in peace of mind, reduced stress and protective benefits for the heart. Health advantages include more energy, better sleep and less general body pain.
The biggest benefit, though, is that a grateful attitude makes those around you feel better! Why not begin today by practicing an attitude of gratitude? You might be surprised by how good it makes you feel!
gratitude n. 感激/感謝
=> a feeling of being thankful
eg: I sent Jill a thank you card to express my gratitude for her help.
eg: This bouquet of flowers represents our gratitude for your thoughtfulness.
grateful adj. 感謝的/感激的
= thankful
eg: A grateful child makes his or her parents feel appreciated.
eg: I am grateful that I have such nice parents.
emotion n. 情緒
emotional adj. 感情上的
eg: People with strong emotional health accept responsibility for the things they do.
eg: Helping others provides emotional satisfaction.
emotional adj. 情緒化的
eg: Sandy is very emotional. It's really hard to work with her.
frustration n. 挫折/挫折感
eg: Ben felt his frustration build when he couldn't solve the math problem before the test ended.
eg: Mrs. Smith experienced a lot of frustration when none of her students handed in their homework.
eg: Learn how to cope with frustration at work and don't allow it to get the best of you(別讓它擊垮你)!
nervous system 神經系統
//== Chat Room ==//
pay v. 給予
eg: paying compliments 給予贊賞
eg: pay attention 給予注意
eg: I will pay him a visit.
you get what you pay for 一分錢一分貨
=> 這句話通常用來表示便宜的東西容易壞
pay your dues 支付會費
=> 延伸的意義為一個人加入組織都要先有付出才會獲得同僚的尊敬
pay the price 付出代價
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Thankful people are found to be kinder and more likely to feel loved.
=> Thankful people are seen as being kinder and more likely to feel loved.
find v. 察覺
=> perceive (as)
=> see (as)
eg: Jamie thinks the movie was boring.
=> Jamie found the moving boring.
eg: I find it easier to study when I have music on.
find v. 發現
=> discovery
eg: I found my keys under my bed.
2009年11月25日 星期三
20091125 Holiday Movies (3)
Holiday Movies
Alvin and the Chipmunks return in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel. This sequel to the 2007 holiday hit continues the story of the three chipmunks' musical career. It also introduces some new characters - the Chipettes.
Comedies and others
Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker star in Did You Hear About the Morgans? They play an estranged couple who witness a murder in New York City. They are then placed in a small Wyoming town as part of a witness protection program. They have a terrible time coping with their new surroundings as well as their renewed affection for each other.
Robert DeNiro stars as a widower who decides to go on a road trip in Everybody's Fine. He wants to try to rebuild his relationships with his grown children. Special effects drive 2012. This spectacle tells of worldwide cataclysmic events that suggest the end of the world. According to the ancient Mayan calendar, 2012 is the year civilization comes to an end.
Hollywood offers plenty to entertain you this holiday season. Go enjoy a movie at your local theater.
sequel n. 續集
eg: I didn't want this book to end. I hope the author writes a sequel.
witness v. 目擊/目睹
=> see it happen
eg: Jeff witnessed the accident and told the police what he saw.
eg: An old lady witnessed the grocery store robbery.
eg: He arrived home just in time to witness the bank repossessing his car.
=> 他回家時剛好看到銀行帶走他的車當作抵押品
witness n. 證人/目擊者
eg: According to the witnesses, the attack took place around midnight.
cope v. 應付/處理
cope with something
eg: Nancy can cope with losing her job, but I hope she finds another soon.
eg: Fanny has a hard time coping with her three kids and a new job.
eg: People here know how to cope with harsh weather(嚴寒的天氣) conditions.
spectacle n. 公開展示/場面/景象/眼鏡
=> a very impressive show/scene
eg: The opening ceremony of the World Games was quite a spectacle.
strange adj. 陌生的
estrange v. 使疏遠/使感情失和
eg: Time and distance gradually estranged the couple.
estranged adj. 疏離的/分開的
eg: Nathan bumped into his estranged(分居的) wife at the supermarket.
widow n. 寡婦
=> a woman who has lost her husband
widower n. 鰥夫
=> a man whose wife has died and he has not remarried
grown adj. 長大了的/成熟的
cataclysmic adj. 激變的/大變動的
=> very large/distructive/violent
//== Chat Room ==//
-ette 女性的
=> the suffix-ette refers to female
the Chipettes
Jeanette, Paulette, Claudette
=> the names are female because they include the suffix-ette
bachelorette n. 未婚女性
bachelor n. 單身男子
brunette n. 深色頭髮女性
-ette 小的
=> the suffix-ette refers to smaller
kitchen
kitchenette 小廚房
novel
novelette 中篇小說
cigar 雪茄
cigarette (小雪茄)香煙
towel 毛巾
towelette 紙巾
moist towelettes 濕紙巾
Alvin and the Chipmunks return in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel. This sequel to the 2007 holiday hit continues the story of the three chipmunks' musical career. It also introduces some new characters - the Chipettes.
Comedies and others
Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker star in Did You Hear About the Morgans? They play an estranged couple who witness a murder in New York City. They are then placed in a small Wyoming town as part of a witness protection program. They have a terrible time coping with their new surroundings as well as their renewed affection for each other.
Robert DeNiro stars as a widower who decides to go on a road trip in Everybody's Fine. He wants to try to rebuild his relationships with his grown children. Special effects drive 2012. This spectacle tells of worldwide cataclysmic events that suggest the end of the world. According to the ancient Mayan calendar, 2012 is the year civilization comes to an end.
Hollywood offers plenty to entertain you this holiday season. Go enjoy a movie at your local theater.
sequel n. 續集
eg: I didn't want this book to end. I hope the author writes a sequel.
witness v. 目擊/目睹
=> see it happen
eg: Jeff witnessed the accident and told the police what he saw.
eg: An old lady witnessed the grocery store robbery.
eg: He arrived home just in time to witness the bank repossessing his car.
=> 他回家時剛好看到銀行帶走他的車當作抵押品
witness n. 證人/目擊者
eg: According to the witnesses, the attack took place around midnight.
cope v. 應付/處理
cope with something
eg: Nancy can cope with losing her job, but I hope she finds another soon.
eg: Fanny has a hard time coping with her three kids and a new job.
eg: People here know how to cope with harsh weather(嚴寒的天氣) conditions.
spectacle n. 公開展示/場面/景象/眼鏡
=> a very impressive show/scene
eg: The opening ceremony of the World Games was quite a spectacle.
strange adj. 陌生的
estrange v. 使疏遠/使感情失和
eg: Time and distance gradually estranged the couple.
estranged adj. 疏離的/分開的
eg: Nathan bumped into his estranged(分居的) wife at the supermarket.
widow n. 寡婦
=> a woman who has lost her husband
widower n. 鰥夫
=> a man whose wife has died and he has not remarried
grown adj. 長大了的/成熟的
cataclysmic adj. 激變的/大變動的
=> very large/distructive/violent
//== Chat Room ==//
-ette 女性的
=> the suffix-ette refers to female
the Chipettes
Jeanette, Paulette, Claudette
=> the names are female because they include the suffix-ette
bachelorette n. 未婚女性
bachelor n. 單身男子
brunette n. 深色頭髮女性
-ette 小的
=> the suffix-ette refers to smaller
kitchen
kitchenette 小廚房
novel
novelette 中篇小說
cigar 雪茄
cigarette (小雪茄)香煙
towel 毛巾
towelette 紙巾
moist towelettes 濕紙巾
2009年11月24日 星期二
20091124 Holiday Movies (2)
Holiday Movies
Animated films
Tis 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.
fantastic n. 奇異的/古怪的
=> extremely good
eg: That new idea of Mr. Allen's is fantastic!
wits pl n. 機智;風趣
eg: The street child didn't have any education; he lived by his wits.
re- 向後的
reluctant adj. 不情願的/勉強的
=> not totally willing to do something
eg: The child was very reluctant to go to bed since the movie was not yet over.
eg: The reluctant helpers not only didn't help, but they also became a problem.
eg: The people in the town are reluctant to accept the new policy.
alien n. 外星人
eg: Some people believe that aliens live on other planets.
eg: E.T. is one of the most recognized movie aliens of all time.
eg: Many people claim that they've seen aliens.
alien adj. 外國的
eg: an alien culture 異國的文化
science-fiction adj. 科幻的
eg: The science-fiction novel was a best-seller last summer.
eg: Bob loves science-faction movies. He has a huge collection.
outfox v. 以計擊敗
//== Chat Room ==//
badger n.獾
badger v. 困擾/煩擾
badger someone 煩擾某人/困擾某人
=> bother/trouble someone repeatedly
=> often by telling them to do something
eg: Bobby's mother always badgers him about cleaning his room.
eg: She badgers her mother to allow her to go to the dance.
badger someone into verb+ing
eg: Jeff badgers me into helping him study his test.
badger someone + infinitive
eg: Allen badgers his father to take him to the zoo.
weasel n. 黃鼠狼/狡滑的人/奸刁的人
weasel out of doing something 狡猾地逃避做某事
=> avoid doing something you should do
=> escape from the duty
eg: Canie tries to weasel out doing the dishes.
monkey
monkey around 調皮搗蛋
ram n. 公羊
ram v. 撞擊
=> hit/push something
hog n. 豬
hog v. 霸佔
hog something 霸佔某物
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences.
=> The film has special effects that are at the movie industry's highest level and will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art 最好的/利用最先進技術的
=> the highest level available
state-of-the-art sound system
state-of-the-art research laboratory
state-of-the-art security system
eg: Charles' small new laptop is an example of the state of the art in computer technology.
eg: Nowadays, the state of the art in wireless communication allows people to receive their email on their cell phones very quickly.
Animated films
Tis 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.
fantastic n. 奇異的/古怪的
=> extremely good
eg: That new idea of Mr. Allen's is fantastic!
wits pl n. 機智;風趣
eg: The street child didn't have any education; he lived by his wits.
re- 向後的
reluctant adj. 不情願的/勉強的
=> not totally willing to do something
eg: The child was very reluctant to go to bed since the movie was not yet over.
eg: The reluctant helpers not only didn't help, but they also became a problem.
eg: The people in the town are reluctant to accept the new policy.
alien n. 外星人
eg: Some people believe that aliens live on other planets.
eg: E.T. is one of the most recognized movie aliens of all time.
eg: Many people claim that they've seen aliens.
alien adj. 外國的
eg: an alien culture 異國的文化
science-fiction adj. 科幻的
eg: The science-fiction novel was a best-seller last summer.
eg: Bob loves science-faction movies. He has a huge collection.
outfox v. 以計擊敗
//== Chat Room ==//
badger n.獾
badger v. 困擾/煩擾
badger someone 煩擾某人/困擾某人
=> bother/trouble someone repeatedly
=> often by telling them to do something
eg: Bobby's mother always badgers him about cleaning his room.
eg: She badgers her mother to allow her to go to the dance.
badger someone into verb+ing
eg: Jeff badgers me into helping him study his test.
badger someone + infinitive
eg: Allen badgers his father to take him to the zoo.
weasel n. 黃鼠狼/狡滑的人/奸刁的人
weasel out of doing something 狡猾地逃避做某事
=> avoid doing something you should do
=> escape from the duty
eg: Canie tries to weasel out doing the dishes.
monkey
monkey around 調皮搗蛋
ram n. 公羊
ram v. 撞擊
=> hit/push something
hog n. 豬
hog v. 霸佔
hog something 霸佔某物
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
The film's state-of-the-art special effects will amaze audiences.
=> The film has special effects that are at the movie industry's highest level and will amaze audiences.
state-of-the-art 最好的/利用最先進技術的
=> the highest level available
state-of-the-art sound system
state-of-the-art research laboratory
state-of-the-art security system
eg: Charles' small new laptop is an example of the state of the art in computer technology.
eg: Nowadays, the state of the art in wireless communication allows people to receive their email on their cell phones very quickly.
2009年11月23日 星期一
20091123 Holiday Movies (1)
Holiday Movies
Don't miss these movies headed to your local theater
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, Christrnas 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 briliant 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.
literature n. 文學/文學作品
eg: Reading great literature can improve your writing and vocabulary.
eg: My professor specializes in classic British literature.
eg: The author's most famous piece of literature criticizes racism.
format n. 型式
eg: Today, most people prefer the DVD format to videotapes.
eg: If you have seen this director's movies before, you're familiar with his unique format.
eg: The meeting will be conducted in our regular format.
eg: The file is saved in a compressed format.
portray v. 扮演/表現
=> represent a character
eg: The actor portrayed the character in the play very realistically.
plot n. 情節
=> the way the story is shown
=> a plan
eg: The movie's plot was filled with adventure and romance.
eg: The plot of the movie is too complicated for most audiences.
eg: In the middle of the novel the plot starts to develop in a surreal(超現實的) way.
plot n. 陰謀
eg: The plot to assassinate(刺殺) the president was discovered by the FBI.
roll out 首次展示
=> present/show
miser n. 吝嗇鬼/守財奴
=> a person doesn't like to share his money.
=> a person who is not very generous
//== Chat Room ==//
flock v. 聚集
=> gather
=> go together in a big cloud
flock n. 一群(人)
=> a large amount of people
flock n. 一群(動物)
=> a group of animals
a flock of sheep/goats/birds 一群羊/山牛/鳥
herd
=> a group of cattle
=> a group of wild animals, like elephants zebras, whales and seals
eg: a herd of elephants
eg: a herd of zebras
eg: a herd of whales
eg: a herd of seals
pack
=> a group of aninals, like wolves/hunting dogs
eg: a pack of wolves
eg: a pack of hunting dogs
a gaggle of geese 一群鵝
a pride of lions 一群獅子
a school of fish 一群魚
//== 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 34TH 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?
Don't miss these movies headed to your local theater
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, Christrnas 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 briliant 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.
literature n. 文學/文學作品
eg: Reading great literature can improve your writing and vocabulary.
eg: My professor specializes in classic British literature.
eg: The author's most famous piece of literature criticizes racism.
format n. 型式
eg: Today, most people prefer the DVD format to videotapes.
eg: If you have seen this director's movies before, you're familiar with his unique format.
eg: The meeting will be conducted in our regular format.
eg: The file is saved in a compressed format.
portray v. 扮演/表現
=> represent a character
eg: The actor portrayed the character in the play very realistically.
plot n. 情節
=> the way the story is shown
=> a plan
eg: The movie's plot was filled with adventure and romance.
eg: The plot of the movie is too complicated for most audiences.
eg: In the middle of the novel the plot starts to develop in a surreal(超現實的) way.
plot n. 陰謀
eg: The plot to assassinate(刺殺) the president was discovered by the FBI.
roll out 首次展示
=> present/show
miser n. 吝嗇鬼/守財奴
=> a person doesn't like to share his money.
=> a person who is not very generous
//== Chat Room ==//
flock v. 聚集
=> gather
=> go together in a big cloud
flock n. 一群(人)
=> a large amount of people
flock n. 一群(動物)
=> a group of animals
a flock of sheep/goats/birds 一群羊/山牛/鳥
herd
=> a group of cattle
=> a group of wild animals, like elephants zebras, whales and seals
eg: a herd of elephants
eg: a herd of zebras
eg: a herd of whales
eg: a herd of seals
pack
=> a group of aninals, like wolves/hunting dogs
eg: a pack of wolves
eg: a pack of hunting dogs
a gaggle of geese 一群鵝
a pride of lions 一群獅子
a school of fish 一群魚
//== 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 34TH 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?
2009年11月21日 星期六
20091121 Seeing into the Future(2)
Seeing into the Future
SC: Should your glasses make your vision perfect or just improve it?
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 yor 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 problems.
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.
lifestyle n. 生活方式
eg: Frank and Susan have retired and are getting used to their new lifestyle.
eg: Many people citicize the famous singer's wild lifestyle.
eg: Henry completely changed his lifestyle after learning that he had cancer.
eg: Maintaining a luxurious lifestyle really casts a lot.
ultraviolet adj. 紫外線的/產生紫外線的
eg: Wearing sunscreen can help profect you from ultraviolet light.
eg: Ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin.
eg: Intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.
ultraviolet n. 紫外線
=> 簡稱為UV
farsightedness n. 遠視
farsighted adj. 遠視的
nearsightedness n. 近視
nearsighted adj. 近視的
eg: Jonathan is very nearsighted and often has difficulty seeing the blackboard in class.
eg: Laura was diagnosed as being nearsighted.
eyestrain n. 眼睛疲勞
eg: Erica spends so much time on the computer she often struggles with eyestrain.
cataract n. 白內障
//== Chat Room ==//
eye care 保護眼睛
=> 不是用複數的eyes，因為名詞當形容詞修飾其他名詞時，需要用單數
eye problems 眼睛
film festival 電影節
=> 不是用複數的films
women dancers
=> 名詞為人時，需要用複數
writers conference 作家的會議室
=> 名詞為人時，需要用複數
sports arena 體育場
=> 如果名詞原本就是複數就要用複數
arm n. 手臂
arms pl n. 武器
arms race 武器競賽
SC: Should your glasses make your vision perfect or just improve it?
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 yor 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 problems.
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.
lifestyle n. 生活方式
eg: Frank and Susan have retired and are getting used to their new lifestyle.
eg: Many people citicize the famous singer's wild lifestyle.
eg: Henry completely changed his lifestyle after learning that he had cancer.
eg: Maintaining a luxurious lifestyle really casts a lot.
ultraviolet adj. 紫外線的/產生紫外線的
eg: Wearing sunscreen can help profect you from ultraviolet light.
eg: Ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin.
eg: Intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.
ultraviolet n. 紫外線
=> 簡稱為UV
farsightedness n. 遠視
farsighted adj. 遠視的
nearsightedness n. 近視
nearsighted adj. 近視的
eg: Jonathan is very nearsighted and often has difficulty seeing the blackboard in class.
eg: Laura was diagnosed as being nearsighted.
eyestrain n. 眼睛疲勞
eg: Erica spends so much time on the computer she often struggles with eyestrain.
cataract n. 白內障
//== Chat Room ==//
eye care 保護眼睛
=> 不是用複數的eyes，因為名詞當形容詞修飾其他名詞時，需要用單數
eye problems 眼睛
film festival 電影節
=> 不是用複數的films
women dancers
=> 名詞為人時，需要用複數
writers conference 作家的會議室
=> 名詞為人時，需要用複數
sports arena 體育場
=> 如果名詞原本就是複數就要用複數
arm n. 手臂
arms pl n. 武器
arms race 武器競賽
20091120 Seeing into the Future(1)
Seeing into the Future
What everyone should know about eye care
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.
eyesight n. 視力/視野/視界
eg: Mary lost her eyesight at an early age but has adapted well to a world of darkness.
laser n. 雷射
eg: John bought a new laser printer because he wanted clear printouts.
associate v. 聯想/使聯合/使結合
eg: people often associate that company with quality service.
diabetes 糖尿病
diabetic adj. 糖尿病的
eg: Charles is diabetic, so he avoids sweets.
diabetic adj. 給糖尿病患者食用的
diabetic chocolate bar 適合糖尿病者的巧克力棒
associate v. 連在一起/有關聯的
associate with someone/something
eg: Most people associate this name brand with hip-hop singers.
associate v. 和某人打交道
eg: Bob often associates with high school dropouts, which makes his mother worry a lot.
lens n. 鏡片
=> 複數lenses
contact lens 隱形眼鏡
eg: Gina has been wearing contact lenses since junior high.
eg: Contact lenses are very pricy, so I decided to buy glasses instead.
ophthalmology n. 眼科學
//== Chat Room ==//
suffer from something 罹患某種(長期性的)疾病
=> suffer because of something
eg: Bobby is suffering from a heart disease
suffer something 經歷一次不好的(短暫的)事情
=> experience/undergo something
eg: After years of suffering from a heart disease, Bobby suffered a heart attack yesterday.
suffer 經歷(用於不愉快，不好的事情)
=> expereince
eg: suffer heavy losses 蒙受重大損失
eg: suffer defeated
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that disease.
The same is true.
eg: Last year's students had to pay an extra fee for their afterschool programs; the same is true for this year's students.
eg: When making muffins, don't over stir the batter; the same is true when making pancakes.
What everyone should know about eye care
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.
eyesight n. 視力/視野/視界
eg: Mary lost her eyesight at an early age but has adapted well to a world of darkness.
laser n. 雷射
eg: John bought a new laser printer because he wanted clear printouts.
associate v. 聯想/使聯合/使結合
eg: people often associate that company with quality service.
diabetes 糖尿病
diabetic adj. 糖尿病的
eg: Charles is diabetic, so he avoids sweets.
diabetic adj. 給糖尿病患者食用的
diabetic chocolate bar 適合糖尿病者的巧克力棒
associate v. 連在一起/有關聯的
associate with someone/something
eg: Most people associate this name brand with hip-hop singers.
associate v. 和某人打交道
eg: Bob often associates with high school dropouts, which makes his mother worry a lot.
lens n. 鏡片
=> 複數lenses
contact lens 隱形眼鏡
eg: Gina has been wearing contact lenses since junior high.
eg: Contact lenses are very pricy, so I decided to buy glasses instead.
ophthalmology n. 眼科學
//== Chat Room ==//
suffer from something 罹患某種(長期性的)疾病
=> suffer because of something
eg: Bobby is suffering from a heart disease
suffer something 經歷一次不好的(短暫的)事情
=> experience/undergo something
eg: After years of suffering from a heart disease, Bobby suffered a heart attack yesterday.
suffer 經歷(用於不愉快，不好的事情)
=> expereince
eg: suffer heavy losses 蒙受重大損失
eg: suffer defeated
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
The same is true for people who are diabetic because there are risks associated with that disease.
The same is true.
eg: Last year's students had to pay an extra fee for their afterschool programs; the same is true for this year's students.
eg: When making muffins, don't over stir the batter; the same is true when making pancakes.
2009年11月19日 星期四
20091119 English - What a Language (1)
English - What a Language!
English is a strange language - and some parts of it are stranger than others
Anyone who has attempted to learn the Endlish 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 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 neverfrom 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!
inherent adj. 固有的/與生俱來的
=> a natural part of it
eg: People appreciate the inherent beauty of Chinese characters.
eg: This actor seems to have an inherent talent for capturing his audiences' attention.
eg: There are several inherent weaknesses in the computer system that need to be improved.
assumption n. 假定/設想/擔任/承擔
eg: Don't make the assumption that Frank is not a good worker - find out for sure.
recital n. 背誦/朗誦/當眾吟誦/獨奏會/獨唱會
=> a performance of some kind
eg: Everyone enjoyed Buth's piano porformance at the recital.
recite v. 背誦/朗誦
=> say something
cleave v. 切開/劈開/
eg: The cook used a large knife to cleave the chicken breast in two.
eg: A man and his wife should cleave together and rely on one another.
eg: He used an ax to cleave a long in half.
eg: The butcher cleaved the bone and added it to the soup for flavor.
cleave v. 緊緊地抓住/堅手
eg: Mary cleaves to the principles of fairness and honesty.
fragile adj. 易碎的
combustible adj. 易燃的
=> can burn and provide heat/power
eg: The combustible materials need to be stored separately in a colder temperature.
eg: Gasoline vapor is very combustible, so all gas stations forbid smoking.
overlook v. 看漏/忽略
=> miss the detail
overlook + Ving
eg: My calculation was wrong because I overlooked one tiny point.
oversee 監視/監督/管理/看
=> in charge of a project or a group of people
go off (警報、鬧鐘)突然響起
go on 持續運作
//== Chat Room ==//
hot or cold
slow down 慢一點/慢下來
= slow up 慢上來
hot adj. 時髦的
cool adj. 時髦的
colorfast adj. 不褪色的
=> the colors don't run
run 流失
trim v. 修剪
=> take off a little bit
eg: trim one's nail 剪指甲
trim a Christmas tree
=> 裝飾點綴聖誕飾
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
=> the first idea: Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means, "not"
=> the second idea: in "inflammable" it actually means "into."
=> These two ideas contrasts each other
=> so the writer just the conjection "whereas" to join the two ideas together
whereas
=> contrast two different ideas
eg: Martha loves to go shopping on weekends, whereas her sister prefers to stay at home.
eg: Thomas spends three hours every night doing his homework, whereas his roommate usually spends less than 30 minutes.
English is a strange language - and some parts of it are stranger than others
Anyone who has attempted to learn the Endlish 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 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 neverfrom 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!
inherent adj. 固有的/與生俱來的
=> a natural part of it
eg: People appreciate the inherent beauty of Chinese characters.
eg: This actor seems to have an inherent talent for capturing his audiences' attention.
eg: There are several inherent weaknesses in the computer system that need to be improved.
assumption n. 假定/設想/擔任/承擔
eg: Don't make the assumption that Frank is not a good worker - find out for sure.
recital n. 背誦/朗誦/當眾吟誦/獨奏會/獨唱會
=> a performance of some kind
eg: Everyone enjoyed Buth's piano porformance at the recital.
recite v. 背誦/朗誦
=> say something
cleave v. 切開/劈開/
eg: The cook used a large knife to cleave the chicken breast in two.
eg: A man and his wife should cleave together and rely on one another.
eg: He used an ax to cleave a long in half.
eg: The butcher cleaved the bone and added it to the soup for flavor.
cleave v. 緊緊地抓住/堅手
eg: Mary cleaves to the principles of fairness and honesty.
fragile adj. 易碎的
combustible adj. 易燃的
=> can burn and provide heat/power
eg: The combustible materials need to be stored separately in a colder temperature.
eg: Gasoline vapor is very combustible, so all gas stations forbid smoking.
overlook v. 看漏/忽略
=> miss the detail
overlook + Ving
eg: My calculation was wrong because I overlooked one tiny point.
oversee 監視/監督/管理/看
=> in charge of a project or a group of people
go off (警報、鬧鐘)突然響起
go on 持續運作
//== Chat Room ==//
hot or cold
slow down 慢一點/慢下來
= slow up 慢上來
hot adj. 時髦的
cool adj. 時髦的
colorfast adj. 不褪色的
=> the colors don't run
run 流失
trim v. 修剪
=> take off a little bit
eg: trim one's nail 剪指甲
trim a Christmas tree
=> 裝飾點綴聖誕飾
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means not; whereas, in inflammable, it actually means into.
=> the first idea: Perhaps people make the assumption that the prefix in- means, "not"
=> the second idea: in "inflammable" it actually means "into."
=> These two ideas contrasts each other
=> so the writer just the conjection "whereas" to join the two ideas together
whereas
=> contrast two different ideas
eg: Martha loves to go shopping on weekends, whereas her sister prefers to stay at home.
eg: Thomas spends three hours every night doing his homework, whereas his roommate usually spends less than 30 minutes.
2009年11月18日 星期三
推薦一個網站 -- 小笨霖英語筆記本全集
網站的作者是個留美的留學生，
在美國留學期間為了讓自己英文持續進步
紀錄當時聽到的一些有趣對話。
網站提供生活常用到的句子，
解說這樣的句子可以用在什麼樣的場合，或是作者在某種情況下聽到老外這樣說，對這樣的句子從此深印在腦海中。
網站內容相當的讚，在這邊大推特推。
小笨霖英語筆記本
這邊就節錄網站部分內容給各位聞香一下
=======================================
English is my Achilles heel.
=> 英文是我的罩門.
Achilles heel 的典故來自希臘神話, Achilles 是一名勇士, 他媽媽 Thetis 在 Achilles 還是嬰兒的時候, 就天天把他全身浸泡在 the river of Promise (守誓河), 求得聖河的祝福, 以換來刀槍不入. 但由於他 媽媽抓著他的足踝, 把他 (倒吊狀) 浸下去, 所以足踝 (heel) 這部份沒浸到, 所以 heel 就成了他的罩門. 然後在特洛依戰爭時，因為他有聖河的祝福, 武器傷不了他, 所以他對所有攻擊都不在乎, 但沒想到被 Paris 一箭射到他的足踝，就當場KO. 所以後人拿 Achilles heel來比喻罩門, 致命傷.
罩門另外還有一種講法, 叫 waterloo, 例如 "English is my waterloo." 但我請教過老美, waterloo 這樣的用法遠不及 Achilles heel 來的普遍.
=======================================
You are dead meat.
=> 你死定了.
我們說你完蛋了, 可以說 "You are dead." 或是像這樣說 "You are dead meat." 意思都是一樣的, 比如說你跟別人說過不淮碰我的東西, 但有人他就是老愛用你的東西, 下次要是再被你抓到, 你就可以說, "You are dead meat."
=======================================
I put my foot in my mouth.
=> 我說錯話了.
這就是當你說了不該說的話時, 突然發覺你說錯話了, 就會這麼說. 有一次我跟老美在聊天, 他跟我說某某人是 Jerk , 想不到他一回頭, 那人就在我們旁邊. 他就很快說了一句, "I put my foot in my mouth." 話說我剛學會這句, "I put my foot in my mouth." 後, 我就一直想自己來用看看, 結果呢? 我居然說成了, "I put my foot in your mouth." 結果那個老美笑得合不攏嘴, 他說, "What did you say? You want to put your foot in my mouth?" 真是畫虎不成反類犬啊.
在美國留學期間為了讓自己英文持續進步
紀錄當時聽到的一些有趣對話。
網站提供生活常用到的句子，
解說這樣的句子可以用在什麼樣的場合，或是作者在某種情況下聽到老外這樣說，對這樣的句子從此深印在腦海中。
網站內容相當的讚，在這邊大推特推。
小笨霖英語筆記本
這邊就節錄網站部分內容給各位聞香一下
=======================================
English is my Achilles heel.
=> 英文是我的罩門.
Achilles heel 的典故來自希臘神話, Achilles 是一名勇士, 他媽媽 Thetis 在 Achilles 還是嬰兒的時候, 就天天把他全身浸泡在 the river of Promise (守誓河), 求得聖河的祝福, 以換來刀槍不入. 但由於他 媽媽抓著他的足踝, 把他 (倒吊狀) 浸下去, 所以足踝 (heel) 這部份沒浸到, 所以 heel 就成了他的罩門. 然後在特洛依戰爭時，因為他有聖河的祝福, 武器傷不了他, 所以他對所有攻擊都不在乎, 但沒想到被 Paris 一箭射到他的足踝，就當場KO. 所以後人拿 Achilles heel來比喻罩門, 致命傷.
罩門另外還有一種講法, 叫 waterloo, 例如 "English is my waterloo." 但我請教過老美, waterloo 這樣的用法遠不及 Achilles heel 來的普遍.
=======================================
You are dead meat.
=> 你死定了.
我們說你完蛋了, 可以說 "You are dead." 或是像這樣說 "You are dead meat." 意思都是一樣的, 比如說你跟別人說過不淮碰我的東西, 但有人他就是老愛用你的東西, 下次要是再被你抓到, 你就可以說, "You are dead meat."
=======================================
I put my foot in my mouth.
=> 我說錯話了.
這就是當你說了不該說的話時, 突然發覺你說錯話了, 就會這麼說. 有一次我跟老美在聊天, 他跟我說某某人是 Jerk , 想不到他一回頭, 那人就在我們旁邊. 他就很快說了一句, "I put my foot in my mouth." 話說我剛學會這句, "I put my foot in my mouth." 後, 我就一直想自己來用看看, 結果呢? 我居然說成了, "I put my foot in your mouth." 結果那個老美笑得合不攏嘴, 他說, "What did you say? You want to put your foot in my mouth?" 真是畫虎不成反類犬啊.
20091118 Lend to a Friend (2)
Lead to a Friend
Conversation B
Beth: Adam, just go into this with your eyes open. If Tony doesn't pay you back, are you going to become critical and resent it if he spends money on something else? Are you sure Tony is trustworthy?
Adam: I believe he is. I've never questioned his trustworthiness before, so why would I start now? Besides, I recently read a study that says that nearly 75 percent of borrowers pay everything back.
Beth: Well, I hope Tony is not part of the 25 percent who don't! At least hold him accountable for the loan. You might even consider charging him interest.
Adam: I plan to write down how much he borrows and when I expect to be paid back, but as his friend, I would never charge him interest. I may even give him the option of paying the loan back in monthly installments.
Beth: That's all very well and good. But what will you do if he misses a payment? Or two payments? or he asks you for more money because he's still having problems?
Adam: I'll deal with that if it becomes an issue. In the meantime, I plan to talk to Tony about money management. Perhaps some friendly intervention would be helpful.
Beth: Well, it sounds to me like you've made up your mind. I hope it works out for you and that Tony gets back on his feet and that you get your money back.
resent v. 憤慨/怨恨
eg: I resent your rude comment. It really hurt my feelings.
accountable adj. 應負責任的
accountable to someone
eg: The mayor needs to be more accountable to the city's residents by being more honest with them.
hold someone accountable for something 讓某人對某些事負責
eg: In a court of law, criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
eg: The parents should be held accountable for the years of abuse(虐待) they brought upon their children.
installment n. 分期付款/分期交付
eg: When Jill bought her car, she agreed to pay it off in 36 monthly installments.
eg: The monthly loan installment is $150.
=> 每個月分期付款的貸款付款額是$150
in istallments 用分期付款
eg: We paid off our credit card in installments.
inter- 兩者之間
intervention Un. 插入/介入
eg: After his friend's intervention, Sam realized he was drinking too much and saw a counselor.
eg: Early intervention programs can keep at-risk teenagers from dropping out of school.
intervention Un. 干涉
eg: The government's intervention failed to stabilize the stock market.
get back on one's feet 重新好好站穩，也就是生病復原或自立自強的意思
=> get one's job again, keep your budget in order
eg: Allen got back on his feet soon after his heart surgery.
//== Chat Room ==//
in the meantime 兩件事中間的一段時間
= meanwhile
=> 用來表示時間上的轉變
eg: A typhoon is coming this weekend. Meanwhile(在還沒有到來的那段期間), we must prepare for the storm.
=> We must prepare the storm between now and the weekend.
in the meanwhile
=> 不能這樣用，只能單獨用meanwhile
transition
eg: before, afterward, earlier, later
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
At least hold him accountable for the loan.
hold someone accountable
=> expect someone to be responsible for something
eg: The scientist was held accountable for his own research.
eg: The team leader was held accountable for his team members' performance.
Conversation B
Beth: Adam, just go into this with your eyes open. If Tony doesn't pay you back, are you going to become critical and resent it if he spends money on something else? Are you sure Tony is trustworthy?
Adam: I believe he is. I've never questioned his trustworthiness before, so why would I start now? Besides, I recently read a study that says that nearly 75 percent of borrowers pay everything back.
Beth: Well, I hope Tony is not part of the 25 percent who don't! At least hold him accountable for the loan. You might even consider charging him interest.
Adam: I plan to write down how much he borrows and when I expect to be paid back, but as his friend, I would never charge him interest. I may even give him the option of paying the loan back in monthly installments.
Beth: That's all very well and good. But what will you do if he misses a payment? Or two payments? or he asks you for more money because he's still having problems?
Adam: I'll deal with that if it becomes an issue. In the meantime, I plan to talk to Tony about money management. Perhaps some friendly intervention would be helpful.
Beth: Well, it sounds to me like you've made up your mind. I hope it works out for you and that Tony gets back on his feet and that you get your money back.
resent v. 憤慨/怨恨
eg: I resent your rude comment. It really hurt my feelings.
accountable adj. 應負責任的
accountable to someone
eg: The mayor needs to be more accountable to the city's residents by being more honest with them.
hold someone accountable for something 讓某人對某些事負責
eg: In a court of law, criminals are held accountable for their crimes.
eg: The parents should be held accountable for the years of abuse(虐待) they brought upon their children.
installment n. 分期付款/分期交付
eg: When Jill bought her car, she agreed to pay it off in 36 monthly installments.
eg: The monthly loan installment is $150.
=> 每個月分期付款的貸款付款額是$150
in istallments 用分期付款
eg: We paid off our credit card in installments.
inter- 兩者之間
intervention Un. 插入/介入
eg: After his friend's intervention, Sam realized he was drinking too much and saw a counselor.
eg: Early intervention programs can keep at-risk teenagers from dropping out of school.
intervention Un. 干涉
eg: The government's intervention failed to stabilize the stock market.
get back on one's feet 重新好好站穩，也就是生病復原或自立自強的意思
=> get one's job again, keep your budget in order
eg: Allen got back on his feet soon after his heart surgery.
//== Chat Room ==//
in the meantime 兩件事中間的一段時間
= meanwhile
=> 用來表示時間上的轉變
eg: A typhoon is coming this weekend. Meanwhile(在還沒有到來的那段期間), we must prepare for the storm.
=> We must prepare the storm between now and the weekend.
in the meanwhile
=> 不能這樣用，只能單獨用meanwhile
transition
eg: before, afterward, earlier, later
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
At least hold him accountable for the loan.
hold someone accountable
=> expect someone to be responsible for something
eg: The scientist was held accountable for his own research.
eg: The team leader was held accountable for his team members' performance.
2009年11月17日 星期二
20091117 Lend to a Friend (1)
Lend to a Friend
What should you do if a friend asks to borrow money from you?
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 A
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 made some bad investments and has accumulated some debts. On top of that, he just lost his job and is having a hard time making his mortgage payments.
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 lose that money forever?
Adam: To me, the most important thing is to affirm my loyalty to him even if he has made some poor financial decisions. I want to be a good friend, so I guess I'll just have to run the risk of losing some money.
strain v. 拉緊/伸張
strained adj. 緊張的/緊繃的
=> tense
eg: Sarah's relationship with her boyfriend became strained after he forgot her birthday.
eg: When the company lost their biggest client, pressure was put on their strained finances.
eg: The teacher's expression became strained when her student talked back(頂嘴).
hard time (idiom) 給他們難堪
=> encounter something difficult
eg: Many people have fallen on hard times because of the poor state of the economy.
accumulate v. 累積/堆積
=> get more and more of something over a period of time
eg: So much snow accumulated on the roads that school was canceled for the day.
eg: He has accumulated so many things from shopping at the flea market(跳蚤市場).
eg: Sherry has accumulated many storybooks during her 25 years of being on elementary school teacher.
run the risk 冒險
=> try something that may be dangerous
run the risk of something 冒某一種風險
eg: If you cheat on the test, you run the risk of getting caught and failing.
eg: You run the risk of having to wait at the restaurant if don't make a reservation.
eg: You're running the risk of getting lung cancer if you don't quit smoking.
//== 莎士比亞哈姆雷特 ==//
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.
不要向人借錢，也不要借錢給人
//== Chat Room ==//
The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
=> The most I can do for my friend is just be his friend.
simply adv. 僅僅/只不過(本課課文意思)
=> just
simply adv. 完全地/非常地(加強語氣的用法)
=> absolutely
eg: I'm doing simply wonderful! 我非常地好
eg: This is simply delicious! 這真是好吃
simple <=> complex
complex (客觀的)複雜
=> contains many parts
eg: The human mind is very complex. 人類的頭腦是複雜的
complicated (主觀的)複雜
=> 個人的感覺
=> 例如你可能覺得數學習題很複雜，但是其他人並不這麼覺得。
//== DID YOU KNOW ==//
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.
What should you do if a friend asks to borrow money from you?
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 A
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 made some bad investments and has accumulated some debts. On top of that, he just lost his job and is having a hard time making his mortgage payments.
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 lose that money forever?
Adam: To me, the most important thing is to affirm my loyalty to him even if he has made some poor financial decisions. I want to be a good friend, so I guess I'll just have to run the risk of losing some money.
strain v. 拉緊/伸張
strained adj. 緊張的/緊繃的
=> tense
eg: Sarah's relationship with her boyfriend became strained after he forgot her birthday.
eg: When the company lost their biggest client, pressure was put on their strained finances.
eg: The teacher's expression became strained when her student talked back(頂嘴).
hard time (idiom) 給他們難堪
=> encounter something difficult
eg: Many people have fallen on hard times because of the poor state of the economy.
accumulate v. 累積/堆積
=> get more and more of something over a period of time
eg: So much snow accumulated on the roads that school was canceled for the day.
eg: He has accumulated so many things from shopping at the flea market(跳蚤市場).
eg: Sherry has accumulated many storybooks during her 25 years of being on elementary school teacher.
run the risk 冒險
=> try something that may be dangerous
run the risk of something 冒某一種風險
eg: If you cheat on the test, you run the risk of getting caught and failing.
eg: You run the risk of having to wait at the restaurant if don't make a reservation.
eg: You're running the risk of getting lung cancer if you don't quit smoking.
//== 莎士比亞哈姆雷特 ==//
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be.
不要向人借錢，也不要借錢給人
//== Chat Room ==//
The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
=> The most I can do for my friend is just be his friend.
simply adv. 僅僅/只不過(本課課文意思)
=> just
simply adv. 完全地/非常地(加強語氣的用法)
=> absolutely
eg: I'm doing simply wonderful! 我非常地好
eg: This is simply delicious! 這真是好吃
simple <=> complex
complex (客觀的)複雜
=> contains many parts
eg: The human mind is very complex. 人類的頭腦是複雜的
complicated (主觀的)複雜
=> 個人的感覺
=> 例如你可能覺得數學習題很複雜，但是其他人並不這麼覺得。
//== DID YOU KNOW ==//
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.
2009年11月16日 星期一
20091116 Sniffing Out Peanuts (1)
Sniffing Out Peanuts
Dogs help people with severe food allergies live better lives
Riley Mers has a deadly allergy to peanuts. Touching a peanut can cause servere hives. Breathing in peanut dust can cause Riley's throat to close up, resulting in breathing difficulties. Fear of such allergic reactions made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church. But that changed when Riley, now 9 met Rock'O - a dog trained to sniff out peanuts. Dogs can be trained to detect drugs, bombs and many other things. That gave Riley's mom an idea: Why not train a dog to detect peanuts?
It turns out that some dog trainers were doing just that. One of them is Sharon Perry in Texas. She trains dogs to sniff out peanuts - even peanut oil and dust - in six months. The cost of a trained "peanut dog" can be over US$10,000. To assist families, the Mers together with two dog trainers started Angel Service Dogs. The organization raises money for families who need a trained dog. So far, seven dogs have been placed. Riley now attends school with Rock'O. With his nose for peanuts, Rock'O helps Riley live a freer life.
dust n. 灰塵/塵土
=> dry powder
eg: Use this cloth to wipe the dust off the picture frame.
eg: The police dog sniffed the crime scene for clues.
eg: David can easily sniff out garlic because he doesn't like it.
eg: After being an agent for years, Susan is good at sniffing out promising stars.
reaction n. 反應/感應
=> actions caused by something
eg: Closing your eyes is a natural reaction that occurs when you sneeze.
turn out 結果是/證明是
=> end up
eg: At the end of the book, it turns out that the bad guy is actually a hero.
eg: I thought my boss was a cold-hearted person, but he turned out to be a great guy.
eg: The result of the game turned out to be a great surprise.
raise v. 籌(款)
=> collect
eg: This bake sale is to raise money for the school library.
hive n. 蜂窩/蜂巢
hives pl n. 【醫】蕁麻疹
eg: Nathan gets hives every time he eats shellfish.
break out in hives 起疹子
eg: Kathy broke out in hives after eating blueberries.
sniff v. 嗅/聞
eg: The police dog sniifed the crime scene for clues.
eg: He sniffed the fresh morning air.
sniff out something 聞出某種東西的氣味
=> discovery something
eg: David can easily sniff out garlic because he doesn't like it.
eg: After being an agent for years, Susan is good at sniffing out promising stars(看出將來誰會紅).
allergy n. 過敏症
allergic adj. 過敏的
=> have allergy to something
//== Chat Room ==//
life n. 生活
=> 複數 lives
live better lives 過更好的生活
live happy lives 過快樂的生活
live normal lives 過正常的生活
live quiet lives 過平靜的生活
live adj. 活的
live adj. 以現場轉播的方式
a live fish 活魚
a live volcano 活火山
a live recording 現場錄音
a live broadcast 現場轉播
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Fear of such allergic reactions made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church.
=> Fear of allergic reactions like these made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church.
such
=> this/that kind of
=> like that
eg: I'm not sure about a plan like that.
=> I'm uncomfortable with such a plan.
eg: We need to be prepared for these kinds of emergencies.
=> We need to be prepared for such emergencies.
Dogs help people with severe food allergies live better lives
Riley Mers has a deadly allergy to peanuts. Touching a peanut can cause servere hives. Breathing in peanut dust can cause Riley's throat to close up, resulting in breathing difficulties. Fear of such allergic reactions made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church. But that changed when Riley, now 9 met Rock'O - a dog trained to sniff out peanuts. Dogs can be trained to detect drugs, bombs and many other things. That gave Riley's mom an idea: Why not train a dog to detect peanuts?
It turns out that some dog trainers were doing just that. One of them is Sharon Perry in Texas. She trains dogs to sniff out peanuts - even peanut oil and dust - in six months. The cost of a trained "peanut dog" can be over US$10,000. To assist families, the Mers together with two dog trainers started Angel Service Dogs. The organization raises money for families who need a trained dog. So far, seven dogs have been placed. Riley now attends school with Rock'O. With his nose for peanuts, Rock'O helps Riley live a freer life.
dust n. 灰塵/塵土
=> dry powder
eg: Use this cloth to wipe the dust off the picture frame.
eg: The police dog sniffed the crime scene for clues.
eg: David can easily sniff out garlic because he doesn't like it.
eg: After being an agent for years, Susan is good at sniffing out promising stars.
reaction n. 反應/感應
=> actions caused by something
eg: Closing your eyes is a natural reaction that occurs when you sneeze.
turn out 結果是/證明是
=> end up
eg: At the end of the book, it turns out that the bad guy is actually a hero.
eg: I thought my boss was a cold-hearted person, but he turned out to be a great guy.
eg: The result of the game turned out to be a great surprise.
raise v. 籌(款)
=> collect
eg: This bake sale is to raise money for the school library.
hive n. 蜂窩/蜂巢
hives pl n. 【醫】蕁麻疹
eg: Nathan gets hives every time he eats shellfish.
break out in hives 起疹子
eg: Kathy broke out in hives after eating blueberries.
sniff v. 嗅/聞
eg: The police dog sniifed the crime scene for clues.
eg: He sniffed the fresh morning air.
sniff out something 聞出某種東西的氣味
=> discovery something
eg: David can easily sniff out garlic because he doesn't like it.
eg: After being an agent for years, Susan is good at sniffing out promising stars(看出將來誰會紅).
allergy n. 過敏症
allergic adj. 過敏的
=> have allergy to something
//== Chat Room ==//
life n. 生活
=> 複數 lives
live better lives 過更好的生活
live happy lives 過快樂的生活
live normal lives 過正常的生活
live quiet lives 過平靜的生活
live adj. 活的
live adj. 以現場轉播的方式
a live fish 活魚
a live volcano 活火山
a live recording 現場錄音
a live broadcast 現場轉播
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Fear of such allergic reactions made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church.
=> Fear of allergic reactions like these made Riley avoid school, friends' homes and church.
such
=> this/that kind of
=> like that
eg: I'm not sure about a plan like that.
=> I'm uncomfortable with such a plan.
eg: We need to be prepared for these kinds of emergencies.
=> We need to be prepared for such emergencies.
2009年11月15日 星期日
20091114 The Turning Point (2)
The Turning Point
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need her."
And so together the farmer, his wife, the ox and the horse pulled.
But they failed to get the turnip from the garden.
"Run and get the cow, " cried the farmer.
"But her milk's turned bad." said his wife.
"And you said she's no longer useful."
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need her."
So together the farmer, his wife, the ox, the horse
and the cow struggled with the turnip.
But it didn't go anywhere.
One by one the farmer called upon the other farm animals to help.
The goat, the ram and even the rooster joined in.
But it still would not come out. Everyone was disappointed.
"M-m-my turn!" oinked Pinky. "Don't turn me away.
I r-r-really want to help," he cried.
But again the farmer turned up his nose at the piglet's offer.
"You're just too little," he explained.
"Yes," said Pinky. "b-b-but you need me."
That turned the farmer's heart.
So together the farmer, his wife, the ox, the horse,
the cow, the goat, the ram, the rooster and the piglet tried
one last time to pull the giant turnip out of the garden.
And it turned out well. Together they did it!
"Yahoo! they all cheered.
"The tiny piglet made the difference.
He turned everything around."
They all pushed and pulled the turnip to the farmhouse.
The farmer's wife turned it into a delicious stew.
Everyone pigged out!
After that, they turned on some music and celebrated.
Then happily at the end of a long day, they all turned in.
call upon 要求/請求
= call on
call upon someone to do something
eg: Mrs. Smith called upon the students to move her desk.
eg: Greg called upon his whole family to help him move.
eg: We are calling upon all students to donate money to help the earthquake survivors.
pig out 大吃大喝/狼吞虎嚥
=> eat a lot of food
pig out on something
pig pigged pigged
eg: Rick pigged out at the picnic. He ate four not dogs and three hamburgers!
eg: We pigged out on the turkey and pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving dinner.
turn up one's nose 瞧不起/不屑
turn up one's nose at someone
=> look down upon someone
eg: Victor turned up his nose at several job offers and ended up missing out on many good opportunities.
eg: Ray always turns up his nose at fruits and vegetables. He would rather eat junk food.
ram n. 公羊
=> fale sheep
rooster n. 雄雞
fale chicken
turn someone away 輕視(不贊成)
That turned the farmer's heart.
=> That change the farmer's heart.
turn out 結果是...
turn out well
=> develop well
turn something around 使某事發生轉變
turn in 上床睡覺
//== Chat Room ==//
'Yahoo!' they all cheered.
=> 它們都高聲歡呼'Yahoo!'
Yahoo
=> an interjection to express joy
interjection 感歎詞
yippee 好啊!(表示開心/快樂等)
hurray (表示歡喜、鼓舞、贊成等)好哇/加油
Gulliver's Travels 格列佛遊記
Yahoo 不文明的人
=> 格列佛遊記描述一種怪物，因為本書著暢銷後來這個字有新的"意義不文明的人"
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need her."
And so together the farmer, his wife, the ox and the horse pulled.
But they failed to get the turnip from the garden.
"Run and get the cow, " cried the farmer.
"But her milk's turned bad." said his wife.
"And you said she's no longer useful."
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need her."
So together the farmer, his wife, the ox, the horse
and the cow struggled with the turnip.
But it didn't go anywhere.
One by one the farmer called upon the other farm animals to help.
The goat, the ram and even the rooster joined in.
But it still would not come out. Everyone was disappointed.
"M-m-my turn!" oinked Pinky. "Don't turn me away.
I r-r-really want to help," he cried.
But again the farmer turned up his nose at the piglet's offer.
"You're just too little," he explained.
"Yes," said Pinky. "b-b-but you need me."
That turned the farmer's heart.
So together the farmer, his wife, the ox, the horse,
the cow, the goat, the ram, the rooster and the piglet tried
one last time to pull the giant turnip out of the garden.
And it turned out well. Together they did it!
"Yahoo! they all cheered.
"The tiny piglet made the difference.
He turned everything around."
They all pushed and pulled the turnip to the farmhouse.
The farmer's wife turned it into a delicious stew.
Everyone pigged out!
After that, they turned on some music and celebrated.
Then happily at the end of a long day, they all turned in.
call upon 要求/請求
= call on
call upon someone to do something
eg: Mrs. Smith called upon the students to move her desk.
eg: Greg called upon his whole family to help him move.
eg: We are calling upon all students to donate money to help the earthquake survivors.
pig out 大吃大喝/狼吞虎嚥
=> eat a lot of food
pig out on something
pig pigged pigged
eg: Rick pigged out at the picnic. He ate four not dogs and three hamburgers!
eg: We pigged out on the turkey and pumpkin pie during Thanksgiving dinner.
turn up one's nose 瞧不起/不屑
turn up one's nose at someone
=> look down upon someone
eg: Victor turned up his nose at several job offers and ended up missing out on many good opportunities.
eg: Ray always turns up his nose at fruits and vegetables. He would rather eat junk food.
ram n. 公羊
=> fale sheep
rooster n. 雄雞
fale chicken
turn someone away 輕視(不贊成)
That turned the farmer's heart.
=> That change the farmer's heart.
turn out 結果是...
turn out well
=> develop well
turn something around 使某事發生轉變
turn in 上床睡覺
//== Chat Room ==//
'Yahoo!' they all cheered.
=> 它們都高聲歡呼'Yahoo!'
Yahoo
=> an interjection to express joy
interjection 感歎詞
yippee 好啊!(表示開心/快樂等)
hurray (表示歡喜、鼓舞、贊成等)好哇/加油
Gulliver's Travels 格列佛遊記
Yahoo 不文明的人
=> 格列佛遊記描述一種怪物，因為本書著暢銷後來這個字有新的"意義不文明的人"
2009年11月13日 星期五
20091113 The Turning Point (1)
The Turning Point
Big or small, short or tall, we can all make a difference
"Wow!" said Farmer Turner one evening
as he walked through his garden.
"Look at that turnip! Why, it's the biggest one I've ever seen.
I'll take it home, and my wife can turn it into a wonderful stew."
The farmer tried pulling the turnip out of the ground.
But it was too big and wouldn't come out.
So he turned to his wife for help.
Together the farmer and his wife pulled on the giant vegetable.
But it remained in the ground. "Now what?" the farmer sighed.
That night Farmer Turner couldn't sleep.
He tossed and turned all night thinking about the big turnip.
The next morning his wife had an idea.
"Let's ask one of the farm animals to help," she said
"Surely together we can pull the turnip up."
"Yes," said the farmer, turning the idea over in his mind.
"But which animal?" Just then Pinky the piglet turned up.
"Wh-wh-what about me?" He squealed. "I'll help."
But the farmer turned him down.
"You're too little," he laughed.
"I'll ask the ox. He's big and strong."
"But he's dangerous," warned his wife.
"He may get upset and turn on us."
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need him."
So together the farmer, his wife and the ox
pulled on the stubborn turnip.
But it would not come out. " We need more help," said the farmer.
"H-h-how about me?" Pinky cried. But the farmer paid no attention.
"How about the horse?" he said instead.
"She's had a hard day," said the farmer's wife. "She's tired."
toss and turn (saying) 睡不著時翻來覆去
eg: I'm not sleeping well, I toss and turn all night.
eg: I was tossing and turning all night last night because of today's exam.
eg: Larry tossed and turned the whole night because he was worried about his presentation.
squeal v. 發出長而尖的叫聲
=> talk in a very high voice
eg: The little pig squealed when the farmer picked it up.
eg: "No way!" the boy squealed when the doctor tried to give him a shot.
eg: The kids squealed with joy when they heard they were going swimming.
turn on somebody 攻擊/批評某人
eg: Wesley suddenly turned on his little sister and made her cry.
=> Wesley突如起來地欺負妹妹，妹妹就哭了。
turn on 打開電燈/瓦斯/音響設備的開關
eg: Sam turned on the radio as soon as he started his car.
turning point 轉捩點
=> the time when a change happends
turnip n. 蕪菁塊根
turn up 出現
=> show up
turn down
=> say no to someone's request
//== Chat Room ==//
piglet 小豬
puppy/pup 小狗
kitten 小貓
cub 小熊/小獅/小虎/小狐狸等
calf 小牛
duckling 小鴨
bunny 小兔子
fry 小魚
colt 小(公)馬
chick 小雞
=> 有些女生會被這個字眼冒犯
=> 口語的小妞
pony 體型很小的馬
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
"Now what?" the farmer sighed.
Now what?
=> when the speaker was frustrated at the problem, he would say "Now what"
=> 本課now what 的意思如下
1. Now what do I do?
2. Now what should we do?
Now what 還可以有其他意思
3. Now what is it?
4. Now what else is wrong?
Big or small, short or tall, we can all make a difference
"Wow!" said Farmer Turner one evening
as he walked through his garden.
"Look at that turnip! Why, it's the biggest one I've ever seen.
I'll take it home, and my wife can turn it into a wonderful stew."
The farmer tried pulling the turnip out of the ground.
But it was too big and wouldn't come out.
So he turned to his wife for help.
Together the farmer and his wife pulled on the giant vegetable.
But it remained in the ground. "Now what?" the farmer sighed.
That night Farmer Turner couldn't sleep.
He tossed and turned all night thinking about the big turnip.
The next morning his wife had an idea.
"Let's ask one of the farm animals to help," she said
"Surely together we can pull the turnip up."
"Yes," said the farmer, turning the idea over in his mind.
"But which animal?" Just then Pinky the piglet turned up.
"Wh-wh-what about me?" He squealed. "I'll help."
But the farmer turned him down.
"You're too little," he laughed.
"I'll ask the ox. He's big and strong."
"But he's dangerous," warned his wife.
"He may get upset and turn on us."
"Yes," said Farmer Turner, "but we need him."
So together the farmer, his wife and the ox
pulled on the stubborn turnip.
But it would not come out. " We need more help," said the farmer.
"H-h-how about me?" Pinky cried. But the farmer paid no attention.
"How about the horse?" he said instead.
"She's had a hard day," said the farmer's wife. "She's tired."
toss and turn (saying) 睡不著時翻來覆去
eg: I'm not sleeping well, I toss and turn all night.
eg: I was tossing and turning all night last night because of today's exam.
eg: Larry tossed and turned the whole night because he was worried about his presentation.
squeal v. 發出長而尖的叫聲
=> talk in a very high voice
eg: The little pig squealed when the farmer picked it up.
eg: "No way!" the boy squealed when the doctor tried to give him a shot.
eg: The kids squealed with joy when they heard they were going swimming.
turn on somebody 攻擊/批評某人
eg: Wesley suddenly turned on his little sister and made her cry.
=> Wesley突如起來地欺負妹妹，妹妹就哭了。
turn on 打開電燈/瓦斯/音響設備的開關
eg: Sam turned on the radio as soon as he started his car.
turning point 轉捩點
=> the time when a change happends
turnip n. 蕪菁塊根
turn up 出現
=> show up
turn down
=> say no to someone's request
//== Chat Room ==//
piglet 小豬
puppy/pup 小狗
kitten 小貓
cub 小熊/小獅/小虎/小狐狸等
calf 小牛
duckling 小鴨
bunny 小兔子
fry 小魚
colt 小(公)馬
chick 小雞
=> 有些女生會被這個字眼冒犯
=> 口語的小妞
pony 體型很小的馬
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
"Now what?" the farmer sighed.
Now what?
=> when the speaker was frustrated at the problem, he would say "Now what"
=> 本課now what 的意思如下
1. Now what do I do?
2. Now what should we do?
Now what 還可以有其他意思
3. Now what is it?
4. Now what else is wrong?
2009年11月12日 星期四
20091112 Coping with a Job You Hate (3)
Coping with a Job You Hate
Treat yourself
To make up for your office misery, find little ways of treating yourself. Buy a good book to read. Treat yourself to ice cream. Buy some flowers. Shop for a new interview suit. Plan your next vaction. Find out what makes you feel better inside, no matter what is going on outsided.
Maintain your performance
It is important to continue to do your work and do it well, regardless of your current situation. Set personal performance goals. Then use the accomplishments in future interviews.
Keep your bridge intact
It really is a small world, and you never know when you will run into co-workers from your past. Don't burn any bridges at your company because you are unhappy. Maintain your contacts and keep your relationships positive. You might just need a reference or a good word from one of your colleagues in the future.
Realize that this too shall pass
Right now, it might seem like you will be stuck in this job forever. Keep your chin up and remind yourself that you are in charge of your destiny. Search internal postings for new positios. Start your search for a new job externally.
no matter 無論...
=> regardless
=> in spite of
eg: No matter what Jon's mother cooks, Jon only wants a hot dog for dinner every night.
intact adj. 完整無缺的/未受損傷的
eg: Harry and Sally's love is still intact even though they haven't seen one another for a year.
eg: We used extra tape on the packing box to make sure the glass vase would still be intact after the move.
eg: The beautiful painting survived and was even intact after the flood.
burn one's bridges 作事不留退路
eg: Because Susan burned her bridges when she left her last company, now she can't get a good recommendation.
eg: Albert really burned his bridges when he quit his job so suddenly.
eg: Madison burned her bridges so badly with her company that people laughed when they heard her name.
colleague n. 同事/同僚/同行
=> coworker
eg: My colleagues are very friendly and helpful, so it makes my job very pleasant.
destiny n. 命運
eg: Your destiny is in your hands, so be careful what you do with it.
keep one's chin up 在困難中保持樂觀/不氣餒
eg: Even though we lost the big game, we will keep our chins up because we tried our best.
eg: Frank is having a tough time, but he still keeps his chin up.
make up for 填補
misery n. 痛苦/不幸
externally adv. 在外部
chin n. 下巴
//== Chat Room ==//
treat v. 對待
eg: He treats everyone nicely.
treat n. 一件另令人愉快的事
eg: It's a real treat to see you. 見到你真高興
treat v. 請客
I'll treat you to lunch.
=> I will pay the money for the lunch.
treat n. 請客
eg: It's my treat this time. 這一次輪到我請客
treat yourself 犒賞自己
My treat! 我請客
Treat yourself
To make up for your office misery, find little ways of treating yourself. Buy a good book to read. Treat yourself to ice cream. Buy some flowers. Shop for a new interview suit. Plan your next vaction. Find out what makes you feel better inside, no matter what is going on outsided.
Maintain your performance
It is important to continue to do your work and do it well, regardless of your current situation. Set personal performance goals. Then use the accomplishments in future interviews.
Keep your bridge intact
It really is a small world, and you never know when you will run into co-workers from your past. Don't burn any bridges at your company because you are unhappy. Maintain your contacts and keep your relationships positive. You might just need a reference or a good word from one of your colleagues in the future.
Realize that this too shall pass
Right now, it might seem like you will be stuck in this job forever. Keep your chin up and remind yourself that you are in charge of your destiny. Search internal postings for new positios. Start your search for a new job externally.
no matter 無論...
=> regardless
=> in spite of
eg: No matter what Jon's mother cooks, Jon only wants a hot dog for dinner every night.
intact adj. 完整無缺的/未受損傷的
eg: Harry and Sally's love is still intact even though they haven't seen one another for a year.
eg: We used extra tape on the packing box to make sure the glass vase would still be intact after the move.
eg: The beautiful painting survived and was even intact after the flood.
burn one's bridges 作事不留退路
eg: Because Susan burned her bridges when she left her last company, now she can't get a good recommendation.
eg: Albert really burned his bridges when he quit his job so suddenly.
eg: Madison burned her bridges so badly with her company that people laughed when they heard her name.
colleague n. 同事/同僚/同行
=> coworker
eg: My colleagues are very friendly and helpful, so it makes my job very pleasant.
destiny n. 命運
eg: Your destiny is in your hands, so be careful what you do with it.
keep one's chin up 在困難中保持樂觀/不氣餒
eg: Even though we lost the big game, we will keep our chins up because we tried our best.
eg: Frank is having a tough time, but he still keeps his chin up.
make up for 填補
misery n. 痛苦/不幸
externally adv. 在外部
chin n. 下巴
//== Chat Room ==//
treat v. 對待
eg: He treats everyone nicely.
treat n. 一件另令人愉快的事
eg: It's a real treat to see you. 見到你真高興
treat v. 請客
I'll treat you to lunch.
=> I will pay the money for the lunch.
treat n. 請客
eg: It's my treat this time. 這一次輪到我請客
treat yourself 犒賞自己
My treat! 我請客
2009年11月11日 星期三
20091111 COPING WITH A JOB YOU HATE (2)
Coping with a Job You Hate
Develop a positive morning ritual
Treat yourself to a latte, get up early enough to read the paper, or just set your alarm to play upbeat misic when you wake up. Improving your mornings can do wonders for the rest of your day.
Create a diversion for yourself in the office
Does being in your office make you yearn for the outdoors? Take in a tropical picture and use it as your screensaver. Buy yourself a "joke of the day" calendar. Plug headphones into your computer or bring your iPod to work. Go out for lunch.
Use your time to develop your skills
Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road. If your company offers training courses, take advantage of them. Use downtime to learn something new on your computer. Pick up a management development book and read it at lunch. Turn this job into an opportunity for self-improvement.
Blow off some steam
Most people have an activity that helps them unwind and get rid of tension. Go for a run after work, go swimming on your lunch hour, or take a nice long walk. Put this activity on your schedule so you will have something to look forward to every day.
ritual n. 例行公事/老規矩/習慣
=> something you do in a regular basis
=> habit
eg: My morning ritual includes having a cup of coffee as I read the morning paper.
diversion n. 轉向/轉移/轉換/分散注意力
eg: Eating lunch under a tree is a pleasant diversion from working in the office.
yearn v. 思念/渴望/嚮往
yearn for
eg: Even though I just returned from a vacation, I am yearning to take another one.
eg: Despite his success as a star, he still yearns for his parents approval.
eg: Patricia yearns for a quiet vocation by the lake with her husband.
un- 否定
wind v. 轉緊
unwind v. 鬆開/捲回/放鬆
=> relax
unwind unwound unwound
eg: I always run around the park at night to help me unwind from the pressures of the day.
eg: The nurse gently unwound the patient's bandages(繃帶).
eg: Listening to music helps me unwind after a long hard day.
blow off steam 疏解壓力
=> steam 蒸氣，在這邊引申為壓力
eg: Rita usually goes biking to blow off steam.
eg: Don't take it personally when Tom acts like that. He's just blowing off some steam.
upbeat adj. 令人樂觀的/歡快的
eg: That I passed University entrance examination was really a upbeat news to us.
downtime 停工期
= down time
=> when you are not busy
//== Chat Room ==//
feels down 顯得很低沈/沮喪
= look down
down the road 未來
= in the future
hands down 毫無疑問的/明確的
= certain
eg: Barbara is hands down the best student in the class.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road.
=> Use your time to make yourself a better candidate in the future.
down the road
=> in the future
=> at a later time
eg: Although Jim isn't interested in dating right now, he does want to get married down the road.
eg: Stella has been teaching for five years, but she thinks she might change careers somewhere down the road.
Develop a positive morning ritual
Treat yourself to a latte, get up early enough to read the paper, or just set your alarm to play upbeat misic when you wake up. Improving your mornings can do wonders for the rest of your day.
Create a diversion for yourself in the office
Does being in your office make you yearn for the outdoors? Take in a tropical picture and use it as your screensaver. Buy yourself a "joke of the day" calendar. Plug headphones into your computer or bring your iPod to work. Go out for lunch.
Use your time to develop your skills
Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road. If your company offers training courses, take advantage of them. Use downtime to learn something new on your computer. Pick up a management development book and read it at lunch. Turn this job into an opportunity for self-improvement.
Blow off some steam
Most people have an activity that helps them unwind and get rid of tension. Go for a run after work, go swimming on your lunch hour, or take a nice long walk. Put this activity on your schedule so you will have something to look forward to every day.
ritual n. 例行公事/老規矩/習慣
=> something you do in a regular basis
=> habit
eg: My morning ritual includes having a cup of coffee as I read the morning paper.
diversion n. 轉向/轉移/轉換/分散注意力
eg: Eating lunch under a tree is a pleasant diversion from working in the office.
yearn v. 思念/渴望/嚮往
yearn for
eg: Even though I just returned from a vacation, I am yearning to take another one.
eg: Despite his success as a star, he still yearns for his parents approval.
eg: Patricia yearns for a quiet vocation by the lake with her husband.
un- 否定
wind v. 轉緊
unwind v. 鬆開/捲回/放鬆
=> relax
unwind unwound unwound
eg: I always run around the park at night to help me unwind from the pressures of the day.
eg: The nurse gently unwound the patient's bandages(繃帶).
eg: Listening to music helps me unwind after a long hard day.
blow off steam 疏解壓力
=> steam 蒸氣，在這邊引申為壓力
eg: Rita usually goes biking to blow off steam.
eg: Don't take it personally when Tom acts like that. He's just blowing off some steam.
upbeat adj. 令人樂觀的/歡快的
eg: That I passed University entrance examination was really a upbeat news to us.
downtime 停工期
= down time
=> when you are not busy
//== Chat Room ==//
feels down 顯得很低沈/沮喪
= look down
down the road 未來
= in the future
hands down 毫無疑問的/明確的
= certain
eg: Barbara is hands down the best student in the class.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
Use your time to make yourself a better candidate down the road.
=> Use your time to make yourself a better candidate in the future.
down the road
=> in the future
=> at a later time
eg: Although Jim isn't interested in dating right now, he does want to get married down the road.
eg: Stella has been teaching for five years, but she thinks she might change careers somewhere down the road.
2009年11月10日 星期二
20091110 COPING WITH A JOB YOU HATE (1)
Coping with a Job You Hate
Tips to help make your day a little bit better
There's just no denying the signs. In fact you don't need any signs at all - you just can't stand your job. But how many of us have the luxury of just up and leaving a lousy job without having another lined up? Sometimes you just need to grin and bear it until you have another gig. Whether you're currently stuck because you have to pay the bills or are holding out for the next great opportunity, here are some ways to get through the day.
Set weekly goals for yourself.
Even if you hate your job now, there is something out there that will make you happy. Make weekly goals to help you find that golden opportunity. One week you might strive to send out five resumes or attend one networking event. Setting these goals will give you something to work toward.
Do one thing each day to help you reach your goals.
You don't need to cross all your goals off your list every day, but you can chip away daily. When you get up in the morning, set a daily objective for yourself and make sure you achieve it. This will give you a sense of accomplishment.
line up 排隊
eg: Whenever Tom goes back to his hometown, he lines up lunches and dinners with his friends.
eg: Lots of fans lined up last night to get tickets for the concert.
eg: We've got so many exciting things lined up for this weekend.
gig n. 工作的機會
=> a job you would only have for a short time
eg: Sandy got a leaching gig in a large city, so she quit her small-town job and moved.
eg: Vivian landed a gig as a copy writer at an advertisement company.
eg: Charlie has a gardening gig(除草工作) for the summer.
gig n. 演出或演奏的機會
eg: The band will play another gig at the restaurant next month.
network n. 網狀物/網狀系統
network v. 建立人脈的關係
eg: Presto is a social networking club for people who are new to the area.
eg: Businessmen network a lot while playing golf together.
eg: It's very easy to network at conventions.
chip away 慢慢變小
=> make something smaller over time
eg: I have been chipping away at my to-do list all day, but it seems to be getting longer instead of shorter.
cross something off 除去/劃掉
//== Chat Room ==//
stuck 被...卡住
=> stick stuck stuck
dead end jobs 沒有前途的工作
stuck on someone 愛上他
=> like someone
=> 常用於流行歌
stick up 持槍強劫
Stick'em up! 把手舉起來
=> 歹徒持槍強劫時會說Stick'em up
stick up a bank 持槍強銀行
stick up a store 持槍強商店
stuck up adj. 高傲的
eg: She is really stuck up. I will never ask a favor for her.
=> 她很高傲，我才不會求助於她
//== Moe INFO ==//
For many years it was the newspaper or word of mouth. Today, the Internet has become the preferred place to go to when looking for a new job. CareerBuilder.com is the largest online job site in the United States, with more than 23 million unique visitors each month. This website has provided online career search services for hundreds of partners, including newspapers and Internet portals such as America Online and MSN.
Tips to help make your day a little bit better
There's just no denying the signs. In fact you don't need any signs at all - you just can't stand your job. But how many of us have the luxury of just up and leaving a lousy job without having another lined up? Sometimes you just need to grin and bear it until you have another gig. Whether you're currently stuck because you have to pay the bills or are holding out for the next great opportunity, here are some ways to get through the day.
Set weekly goals for yourself.
Even if you hate your job now, there is something out there that will make you happy. Make weekly goals to help you find that golden opportunity. One week you might strive to send out five resumes or attend one networking event. Setting these goals will give you something to work toward.
Do one thing each day to help you reach your goals.
You don't need to cross all your goals off your list every day, but you can chip away daily. When you get up in the morning, set a daily objective for yourself and make sure you achieve it. This will give you a sense of accomplishment.
line up 排隊
eg: Whenever Tom goes back to his hometown, he lines up lunches and dinners with his friends.
eg: Lots of fans lined up last night to get tickets for the concert.
eg: We've got so many exciting things lined up for this weekend.
gig n. 工作的機會
=> a job you would only have for a short time
eg: Sandy got a leaching gig in a large city, so she quit her small-town job and moved.
eg: Vivian landed a gig as a copy writer at an advertisement company.
eg: Charlie has a gardening gig(除草工作) for the summer.
gig n. 演出或演奏的機會
eg: The band will play another gig at the restaurant next month.
network n. 網狀物/網狀系統
network v. 建立人脈的關係
eg: Presto is a social networking club for people who are new to the area.
eg: Businessmen network a lot while playing golf together.
eg: It's very easy to network at conventions.
chip away 慢慢變小
=> make something smaller over time
eg: I have been chipping away at my to-do list all day, but it seems to be getting longer instead of shorter.
cross something off 除去/劃掉
//== Chat Room ==//
stuck 被...卡住
=> stick stuck stuck
dead end jobs 沒有前途的工作
stuck on someone 愛上他
=> like someone
=> 常用於流行歌
stick up 持槍強劫
Stick'em up! 把手舉起來
=> 歹徒持槍強劫時會說Stick'em up
stick up a bank 持槍強銀行
stick up a store 持槍強商店
stuck up adj. 高傲的
eg: She is really stuck up. I will never ask a favor for her.
=> 她很高傲，我才不會求助於她
//== Moe INFO ==//
For many years it was the newspaper or word of mouth. Today, the Internet has become the preferred place to go to when looking for a new job. CareerBuilder.com is the largest online job site in the United States, with more than 23 million unique visitors each month. This website has provided online career search services for hundreds of partners, including newspapers and Internet portals such as America Online and MSN.
2009年11月9日 星期一
非懂不可ECFA
from 商業週刊
非懂不可ECFA
如果，台股登上兩萬點，換取的是台灣超過二十四萬人失業。
如果，三千億元的外資排隊要湧進台灣，卻有產業面臨全面開放市場後的威脅。
如果，ECFA是富人的威而剛、窮人的土石流，我們還是要簽下這份會影響台灣十年、二十年，甚至更久的「兩岸經濟合作架構協議」（Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement，簡稱ECFA）？
內閣改組，舊內閣面對最大的災難是八八水災，新內閣面對最大挑戰，將是ECFA新時代的變數。
今年十二月，兩岸第四次江陳會就要決定是否簽署ECFA。這個難題，台灣的二千三百萬人都將面對。這是一個攸關台灣未來十年命運的最重要決定，它影響了全台灣的每一個人，你的工作權、薪水與財富。
然而，這麼重大的事，根據台灣智庫調查指出，卻有高達八成五的民眾不清楚它到底是什麼。
ECFA是什麼？為什麼單單一個協定，就可以讓台灣由空翻多，跳空漲停？
利多一：企業營收獲利增加，拉抬股價
簡單說，這就是一個兩岸關起門來「玩」的貿易協定，舉例來說，只要簽下去，明年一月一日起，台灣所有出口到大陸的商品零關稅；中國想採購台灣的面板、手機、芒果、鳳梨，不用管數量，不理會價格，只要雙方說好，不必理會別人怎麼想。
ECFA還沒簽，台南縣學甲小鎮再過二十天就有第一批兩百萬顆的虱目魚丸賣到深圳去，售價是台灣的將近三倍，如果正式簽訂ECFA，豈不雞犬升天。
ECFA只有短短四個字，用台語發音還很吉祥，「A擱發」，能再發財的意思。只適用於台灣與大陸之間，屬於雙邊的自由貿易。說穿了，遊戲規則兩岸說了就算，想怎麼玩就怎麼玩，日本、韓國別想來抗議。
也就是說，在一個自由化的全球架構裡，原本應該公平競爭，貿易條件應該相同，才可以比技術、比成本。但是，在ECFA的框架裡，這些都可以打破，也就是說，中國想要圖利台灣，在兩岸協議的範圍內，可以公然、大膽地圖利台灣。今年上半年，台灣見識到中國的採購威力，原本面板廠產能利用率只剩下三至五成，在中國政府登高一呼下，上千億元的訂單湧入，硬是把面板廠的產能利用率拉高到九成，甚至還造成全球缺貨。如果這發生在每個產業，你想會怎麼樣？
今年二月十七日，二十年來從未開記者會的台灣區塑膠原料公會，首次召開記者會，向政府「喊救命」。
出面開記者會的是塑膠原料公會理事長，也是台塑集團台化公司總經理洪福源，他說：「東協十國加一」或「加三」（台灣非成員國）明年起納入零關稅，台灣外銷產業「現在住進加護病房。」只有靠政府救援才有機會重回普通病房，否則台灣外銷產業可能就要「進入太平間」了。
洪福源不僅代表著石化業，也是代表台塑集團。連台灣最具競爭力的企業都要進「太平間」了，接著洪福源還說：「台灣一年石化產值四兆元，『只要掉一兆』，就會有很多產業都要關門、倒閉，風暴嚴重性實屬百年來僅見。」
一邊業者喊危機是百年來僅見，但六個月後，我們專訪一路研擬ECFA研究的經濟部長尹啟銘，他在八八風災之後，已經愁容滿面很久了，但談起ECFA，馬上展露笑容，得意的說：「日本、韓國現在很急啊，但他們有本事就去跟人家（指中國大陸）簽自由貿易協定啊！」尹啟銘說，現在換成是日韓喊救命了！
日本、韓國為何著急？因為兩岸簽署協議，會讓全球最大的新興市場中國大陸大翻盤。
這個效果會有多大？半年前才剛剛說住進加護病房的台塑集團，有了ECFA的加持，明年起有如猛虎添翼，攤開經濟部委託中華經濟研究院的報告，台灣石化業因中國大陸的石化原料平均進口關稅六．一七％降為零，將有助於我國取代日韓原有三八％之市占率，多出了約三百八十億美元的市場，折合新台幣約一．二五兆。
一口氣多了一個兆元的產值！台灣兩兆雙星喊了這麼多年，其中一個兆的面板產業還在努力掙扎求生中。但只簽個ECFA，石化業就能多個一兆出來，哪個政府會不想多簽幾個！
利多二：三資匯流，就業增加薪資調漲
所以明年受益的就是大財團。假設明年台塑集團營業額多出一兆元，淨利再多加六％，營收與獲利雙雙暴衝之下，股價恐怕也是一飛沖天，股價破百應該是輕而易舉。ECFA讓台塑的百年危機變成創五十年最高股價的機會。
在經濟部的規畫裡，這一步棋，逐步實現總統馬英九喊出的六三三政策！它能讓台灣經濟在短期內起死回生，經濟成長率往上增加近兩個百分點、台北股市明年上萬點，甚至是前所未有的兩萬點行情。
受益還不止如此！泛石化產業五十一萬人就業人口，以平均每家四口人計，牽動兩百多萬人，台灣約有十分之一的人口仰賴此一產業生存。受惠的大財團還不只是台塑集團，明年起，台灣機械、鋼鐵、汽車等產業也會因此而受惠。例如機械將中國大陸的平均進口關稅七．八五％降為零，同樣可以取代東協及韓國原有二三％之市占率，約二百七十億美元。
算一算總帳，ECFA將讓台灣經濟在明年起飛，經濟成長率將多出一．七二％、失業率將減少二．六三％。
不僅失業率減少，你的所得也可望因為ECFA簽署而增加，中華經濟研究院預估化學塑膠、機械、紡織、石油、煤製品及鋼鐵等產業的勞動報酬可望增加，這些行業的勞工可望加薪。
好處還不只這些，接著因為ECFA一簽，台灣與大陸之間互相免關稅，在台灣生產的東西，跟在大陸深圳、東莞生產，賣到中國大陸都是一樣免關稅。
這個畫面，台灣就像是成為大陸內銷的免稅島，如同一九九四年的北美自由貿易協議，加拿大、美國與墨西哥互相免關稅，於是許多國家競相到墨西哥投資設廠，輸往美國可以享零關稅。包括台灣的鴻海、華碩等，也都因為這個理由去墨西哥投資。
「我們連麵包都可以賣過去！」尹啟銘描述著遠景說，非但屆時台商投資大陸的比例可望降低，接著估計有八十九億美元的外資要投資台灣，而這還算是一個保守的數字。
所以明年ECFA一簽，台灣就會產生新跳板效應，有三千億元的外資排隊等著要投資台灣，如同當年的墨西哥一樣。利用零關稅之便進軍大陸市場，台灣成為最佳跳板；甚至被擋在門外的日、韓，也可以投資台灣轉進大陸。
資金流入，代表台灣的機會就更多，就業機會變多、土地、房市都可能因此上漲，當然投資人最關心的台北股市也遇到了百年難得一見的好機會。「外資、中資與台資（台商回流資金）三資匯流！」瑞展產經董事長陳忠瑞說，明年是台北股市最有機會站穩萬點行情的一次。
對比香港跟中國大陸簽署ECFA，股市從八千多點直上三萬點，大盤指數漲了兩倍多，陳忠瑞預估台北股市從七千到一萬點，漲幅也不過是近五成，這樣的預估還算是保守。
利空一：商品與人力低價進軍， 衝擊弱勢
只有利多，就沒有利空嗎？當然不是！按WTO精神，ECFA屬雙邊自由貿易的過渡性架構。「我們要求對方開放市場，大陸政府對於自己的業者也要有交代，也會要求台灣開放市場。」中華經濟研究院研究員史惠慈說。
所以當我們要求大陸開放市場同時，對岸業者也摩拳擦掌等著要進軍台灣。「政府說，對我們有利的先做，下一句是什麼？就是對我們不利的後做！」台灣智庫董事長陳博志說，照WTO最惠國待遇，你給A國什麼好處，給其他會員都要一樣，漏洞就只有FTA（自由貿易協定），你們相互的好處可以不要給別人。
但WTO不會那麼笨，陳博志說：「WTO還是強制規定，雙方不能永遠在協商過程，然後你十年內，超過九○％商品服務都要免稅，所以政府現在只會談我們先拿好處，問題是幾年之後，對台灣的壞處統統都要給。」
也就是說，台灣會有黃金十年。十年後，有可能像灰姑娘打回原形，甚至臉上還會多了些皺紋。
「任何自由貿易協定都是有利有弊，我們當然取我們最有利的部分。」尹啟銘說。問題是，我們要求大陸開放市場，大陸也會要求台灣開放市場，只是時間早晚的問題而已，但未來十年內，台灣與大陸之間，最高將有九成的產品免關稅，也就是說，台灣市場也將對大陸全面開放。
所以，別以為你不是石化或鋼鐵業的員工、不投資股市，就認為ECFA跟你無關，多數的台灣人不懂ECFA，但沒有一個人能躲過ECFA的影響。
因為台灣的塑膠、鋼鐵、機械製品能賣到大陸去，代表著大陸的商品一樣能夠賣到台灣來。而且按照WTO精神，不管我們利用「早期收穫的條款」先要求對方開放市場給台灣，早晚有一天台灣也必須要開放市場給大陸，達到雙方都零關稅的地步。
這時候就要比兩岸競爭力的問題，但現實面是，台灣有多少產業競爭不過大陸。先講台灣引以為傲的農產品好了，台灣水果的改良技術世界聞名，但很多人不知道，去年大陸水果賣到台灣的量是台灣賣到大陸的五倍。
去年，台灣水果賣到大陸，已經提早享有零關稅的優惠，但我們還是賣不過人家。而且大陸水果賣到台灣是被管制，而且要付關稅的。從此點看，難以掩蓋農產品競爭力不如大陸的事實。
攤開經濟部的報告，稻米、大蒜、香菇、花生等八百三十一項尚對中國進行管制的農產品，以及電機電子產品、汽車以外的運輸工具（船舶、機車、自行車等）、非鐵金屬（鋁、銅等）、成衣、皮革製品、毛巾、鞋類、家具、製鞋、織襪、陶瓷等產業都會出現產能萎縮。
這就是兩岸簽署ECFA換來的代價，股民跟大財團可能因此大賺，但弱勢產業與就業者，將面對大衝擊。ECFA將讓台灣強者恆強、弱者恆弱的問題更嚴重。但問題還不只是大陸商品入侵台灣的問題，還有大陸資金與勞力進來了的問題。按照WTO精神，簽署ECFA，台灣早晚必須開放服務業市場給大陸。
屆時大陸的金融業、服務業、餐飲業等也可以進軍台灣，資本規模大的，有可能打倒台灣本土的中小企業，進而收購台灣企業，讓台灣老闆變成陸幹。更悲觀的狀況，是大陸的低價勞力，也可能取代台灣人。
一位搬家工人，他不懂什麼是ECFA，他也不懂兩岸在談什麼協議，他只聽聞台灣未來可能開放勞力市場讓大陸人來台灣工作，他馬上擔憂的問：「如果四川棒棒來了怎麼辦？」四川管在碼頭幹挑伕的苦力叫「棒棒」，他們可以一根扁擔挑六十斤的重物，以小跑步攀爬斜度六十五度的樓階，而且一個月的工資只要新台幣五千元，台灣的搬家工人，行嗎？
有些替代性也會在對岸發生。「在海西做一顆麵包賣來台灣，加上運費，都比台灣本土做的便宜！」陳博志說。所以未來不是台灣商品賣往大陸賺多少錢的問題，而是有多少台灣商品轉到對岸生產再賣回台灣的問題。
這時候赫然發現，ECFA像是職棒球選手使用興奮劑，短期內可望因此實力大增，解決了目前台灣經濟的困境，但久了就變成了依賴，忘了訓練球技提高實力才重點，總有穿幫的一天，甚至用藥過度還賠上了自己的健康與生命。
利空二：對大陸依存度高，變仰人鼻息
因為簽署ECFA，對台灣還有一個嚴重的潛在問題：各種預估都以推估台灣將取代日韓在中國大陸市場的占有率。這是好處，同時也是壞處。因為今天台灣貿易依存度已有四成依賴中國大陸。當台灣快速取代日韓在大陸市場的地位，也代表我們將我們製造的商品大量賣給中國大陸。
舉民國七十年代台灣鰻魚開始外銷日本的故事為例，當年日本因為台灣鰻魚便宜，而大量從台灣進口，台灣人也一窩蜂的在西部沿海抽地下水養殖鰻魚，高峰時期產量超過五萬噸，產值破百億，幾乎都輸往日本。
但日本本土業者不滿台灣鰻魚讓他們受損，抗議台灣傾銷或是藥檢問題開始出現，一下子讓台灣鰻魚無法大量輸日，沒多久時間，養鰻王國就崩盤，只留下今天台灣西部沿海的地層下陷問題。
同樣的問題，當台灣商品大量賣往中國，社會資源自然往該產業跑，規模會快速膨脹，接著大量的人依賴這個產業為生，有一天，中國大陸突然祭出非關稅障礙，如商品被汙染或規格不符等問題，宣布暫時禁止從台灣進口，屆時傷害恐怕是難以想像。所以過度依賴會變成仰人鼻息。
我們問尹啟銘，怎麼解決過度依賴問題，他說，簽了ECFA有助於台灣跟其他國家簽署FTA，可以分散台灣出口過度集中問題。但陳博志說，簽FTA是主權國家行為，大陸不會同意台灣跟其他國家進行主權國家行為。
兩造說法大不同，但絕對要做的是，簽署ECFA，一定要把台灣能不能跟其他國家簽FTA說清楚。
除此之外，陳博志也提醒，台灣不能期待ECFA效應，一直依賴成本低、勞力密集的產業，「大潤發賣的中國雨傘四十九塊錢，還買不到一塊巧克力。我們這十幾年只顧做低成本，沒有升級，我們要幫助它升級，因為畢竟廉價品台商的量在全世界還是最大的，有那個量你來支持比較高階的升級，你有錢來支持，你有行銷管道可以出去，自行車就是這樣出去！」
其實，尹啟銘或陳博志說的都是產業升級，這道理大概所有台灣人都懂，但簽署ECFA之後就不同了，此後產業升級就要加上一個十年的期限了！不能像以往台灣政府談產業升級可以自己關起門慢慢做，想搞一萬年都可以。因為，時間一到，大陸商品就來競爭了！
台灣的黃金十年，個人和企業能夠做的是，利用中國給台灣的三把泥土：市場、資金、機會，發展出有獨特競爭力的產品，以迎戰未來市場開放後更大的競爭。而政府該做的是，在中國GDP成長還能維持在八％上下的優勢下，把這黃金十年視為調整體質的最佳時機。
十年內，我們必須利用這難得機會強身健體，把握這段黃金期，讓台灣脫胎換骨；反之，就是路越走越小，台灣成為仰賴大國市場與施捨的附庸，你我好一點成陸幹，差一點會成陸勞。
簽ECFA，現在各界持平的看法是「短多長空」。但現在政府急著要拿到中國給的經濟特權，只說了「短多」，不敢談「長空」，經濟部長尹啟銘更說簽了ECFA是「一顆雞蛋三顆蛋黃」。到底嚐了ECFA甜頭、過了蜜月期後，台灣未來要付出什麼代價？如果，台股登上兩萬點，換取的是台灣超過二十四萬人失業。
＊簽署ECFA的利多與利空
利空：產值減少2,683億元
木材製品》減少量：4％；減少金額：33.86億元
其他運輸工具》減少量：3％；減少金額：71.34億元
蔬菜及水果》減少量：6％；減少金額：73.98億元
電機及電子產品》減少量：7％；減少金額：2,491億元
其他製品》減少量：1％；減少金額：12.94億元
利多：產值增加7,947億元、就業人口增加25.7～26.3萬人
紡織業》增加量：16％；增加金額：935.4億元
鋼鐵業》增加量：8％；增加金額：689.8億元
石油及煤產品》增加量：8％；增加金額：614.8億元
化學塑膠業》增加量：15％；增加金額：2,900億元
機械業》增加量：14％；增加金額：2,807億元
備註：電機及電子產品產業受損為資源排擠效果。
資料來源：中華經濟研究院
非懂不可ECFA
如果，台股登上兩萬點，換取的是台灣超過二十四萬人失業。
如果，三千億元的外資排隊要湧進台灣，卻有產業面臨全面開放市場後的威脅。
如果，ECFA是富人的威而剛、窮人的土石流，我們還是要簽下這份會影響台灣十年、二十年，甚至更久的「兩岸經濟合作架構協議」（Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement，簡稱ECFA）？
內閣改組，舊內閣面對最大的災難是八八水災，新內閣面對最大挑戰，將是ECFA新時代的變數。
今年十二月，兩岸第四次江陳會就要決定是否簽署ECFA。這個難題，台灣的二千三百萬人都將面對。這是一個攸關台灣未來十年命運的最重要決定，它影響了全台灣的每一個人，你的工作權、薪水與財富。
然而，這麼重大的事，根據台灣智庫調查指出，卻有高達八成五的民眾不清楚它到底是什麼。
ECFA是什麼？為什麼單單一個協定，就可以讓台灣由空翻多，跳空漲停？
利多一：企業營收獲利增加，拉抬股價
簡單說，這就是一個兩岸關起門來「玩」的貿易協定，舉例來說，只要簽下去，明年一月一日起，台灣所有出口到大陸的商品零關稅；中國想採購台灣的面板、手機、芒果、鳳梨，不用管數量，不理會價格，只要雙方說好，不必理會別人怎麼想。
ECFA還沒簽，台南縣學甲小鎮再過二十天就有第一批兩百萬顆的虱目魚丸賣到深圳去，售價是台灣的將近三倍，如果正式簽訂ECFA，豈不雞犬升天。
ECFA只有短短四個字，用台語發音還很吉祥，「A擱發」，能再發財的意思。只適用於台灣與大陸之間，屬於雙邊的自由貿易。說穿了，遊戲規則兩岸說了就算，想怎麼玩就怎麼玩，日本、韓國別想來抗議。
也就是說，在一個自由化的全球架構裡，原本應該公平競爭，貿易條件應該相同，才可以比技術、比成本。但是，在ECFA的框架裡，這些都可以打破，也就是說，中國想要圖利台灣，在兩岸協議的範圍內，可以公然、大膽地圖利台灣。今年上半年，台灣見識到中國的採購威力，原本面板廠產能利用率只剩下三至五成，在中國政府登高一呼下，上千億元的訂單湧入，硬是把面板廠的產能利用率拉高到九成，甚至還造成全球缺貨。如果這發生在每個產業，你想會怎麼樣？
今年二月十七日，二十年來從未開記者會的台灣區塑膠原料公會，首次召開記者會，向政府「喊救命」。
出面開記者會的是塑膠原料公會理事長，也是台塑集團台化公司總經理洪福源，他說：「東協十國加一」或「加三」（台灣非成員國）明年起納入零關稅，台灣外銷產業「現在住進加護病房。」只有靠政府救援才有機會重回普通病房，否則台灣外銷產業可能就要「進入太平間」了。
洪福源不僅代表著石化業，也是代表台塑集團。連台灣最具競爭力的企業都要進「太平間」了，接著洪福源還說：「台灣一年石化產值四兆元，『只要掉一兆』，就會有很多產業都要關門、倒閉，風暴嚴重性實屬百年來僅見。」
一邊業者喊危機是百年來僅見，但六個月後，我們專訪一路研擬ECFA研究的經濟部長尹啟銘，他在八八風災之後，已經愁容滿面很久了，但談起ECFA，馬上展露笑容，得意的說：「日本、韓國現在很急啊，但他們有本事就去跟人家（指中國大陸）簽自由貿易協定啊！」尹啟銘說，現在換成是日韓喊救命了！
日本、韓國為何著急？因為兩岸簽署協議，會讓全球最大的新興市場中國大陸大翻盤。
這個效果會有多大？半年前才剛剛說住進加護病房的台塑集團，有了ECFA的加持，明年起有如猛虎添翼，攤開經濟部委託中華經濟研究院的報告，台灣石化業因中國大陸的石化原料平均進口關稅六．一七％降為零，將有助於我國取代日韓原有三八％之市占率，多出了約三百八十億美元的市場，折合新台幣約一．二五兆。
一口氣多了一個兆元的產值！台灣兩兆雙星喊了這麼多年，其中一個兆的面板產業還在努力掙扎求生中。但只簽個ECFA，石化業就能多個一兆出來，哪個政府會不想多簽幾個！
利多二：三資匯流，就業增加薪資調漲
所以明年受益的就是大財團。假設明年台塑集團營業額多出一兆元，淨利再多加六％，營收與獲利雙雙暴衝之下，股價恐怕也是一飛沖天，股價破百應該是輕而易舉。ECFA讓台塑的百年危機變成創五十年最高股價的機會。
在經濟部的規畫裡，這一步棋，逐步實現總統馬英九喊出的六三三政策！它能讓台灣經濟在短期內起死回生，經濟成長率往上增加近兩個百分點、台北股市明年上萬點，甚至是前所未有的兩萬點行情。
受益還不止如此！泛石化產業五十一萬人就業人口，以平均每家四口人計，牽動兩百多萬人，台灣約有十分之一的人口仰賴此一產業生存。受惠的大財團還不只是台塑集團，明年起，台灣機械、鋼鐵、汽車等產業也會因此而受惠。例如機械將中國大陸的平均進口關稅七．八五％降為零，同樣可以取代東協及韓國原有二三％之市占率，約二百七十億美元。
算一算總帳，ECFA將讓台灣經濟在明年起飛，經濟成長率將多出一．七二％、失業率將減少二．六三％。
不僅失業率減少，你的所得也可望因為ECFA簽署而增加，中華經濟研究院預估化學塑膠、機械、紡織、石油、煤製品及鋼鐵等產業的勞動報酬可望增加，這些行業的勞工可望加薪。
好處還不只這些，接著因為ECFA一簽，台灣與大陸之間互相免關稅，在台灣生產的東西，跟在大陸深圳、東莞生產，賣到中國大陸都是一樣免關稅。
這個畫面，台灣就像是成為大陸內銷的免稅島，如同一九九四年的北美自由貿易協議，加拿大、美國與墨西哥互相免關稅，於是許多國家競相到墨西哥投資設廠，輸往美國可以享零關稅。包括台灣的鴻海、華碩等，也都因為這個理由去墨西哥投資。
「我們連麵包都可以賣過去！」尹啟銘描述著遠景說，非但屆時台商投資大陸的比例可望降低，接著估計有八十九億美元的外資要投資台灣，而這還算是一個保守的數字。
所以明年ECFA一簽，台灣就會產生新跳板效應，有三千億元的外資排隊等著要投資台灣，如同當年的墨西哥一樣。利用零關稅之便進軍大陸市場，台灣成為最佳跳板；甚至被擋在門外的日、韓，也可以投資台灣轉進大陸。
資金流入，代表台灣的機會就更多，就業機會變多、土地、房市都可能因此上漲，當然投資人最關心的台北股市也遇到了百年難得一見的好機會。「外資、中資與台資（台商回流資金）三資匯流！」瑞展產經董事長陳忠瑞說，明年是台北股市最有機會站穩萬點行情的一次。
對比香港跟中國大陸簽署ECFA，股市從八千多點直上三萬點，大盤指數漲了兩倍多，陳忠瑞預估台北股市從七千到一萬點，漲幅也不過是近五成，這樣的預估還算是保守。
利空一：商品與人力低價進軍， 衝擊弱勢
只有利多，就沒有利空嗎？當然不是！按WTO精神，ECFA屬雙邊自由貿易的過渡性架構。「我們要求對方開放市場，大陸政府對於自己的業者也要有交代，也會要求台灣開放市場。」中華經濟研究院研究員史惠慈說。
所以當我們要求大陸開放市場同時，對岸業者也摩拳擦掌等著要進軍台灣。「政府說，對我們有利的先做，下一句是什麼？就是對我們不利的後做！」台灣智庫董事長陳博志說，照WTO最惠國待遇，你給A國什麼好處，給其他會員都要一樣，漏洞就只有FTA（自由貿易協定），你們相互的好處可以不要給別人。
但WTO不會那麼笨，陳博志說：「WTO還是強制規定，雙方不能永遠在協商過程，然後你十年內，超過九○％商品服務都要免稅，所以政府現在只會談我們先拿好處，問題是幾年之後，對台灣的壞處統統都要給。」
也就是說，台灣會有黃金十年。十年後，有可能像灰姑娘打回原形，甚至臉上還會多了些皺紋。
「任何自由貿易協定都是有利有弊，我們當然取我們最有利的部分。」尹啟銘說。問題是，我們要求大陸開放市場，大陸也會要求台灣開放市場，只是時間早晚的問題而已，但未來十年內，台灣與大陸之間，最高將有九成的產品免關稅，也就是說，台灣市場也將對大陸全面開放。
所以，別以為你不是石化或鋼鐵業的員工、不投資股市，就認為ECFA跟你無關，多數的台灣人不懂ECFA，但沒有一個人能躲過ECFA的影響。
因為台灣的塑膠、鋼鐵、機械製品能賣到大陸去，代表著大陸的商品一樣能夠賣到台灣來。而且按照WTO精神，不管我們利用「早期收穫的條款」先要求對方開放市場給台灣，早晚有一天台灣也必須要開放市場給大陸，達到雙方都零關稅的地步。
這時候就要比兩岸競爭力的問題，但現實面是，台灣有多少產業競爭不過大陸。先講台灣引以為傲的農產品好了，台灣水果的改良技術世界聞名，但很多人不知道，去年大陸水果賣到台灣的量是台灣賣到大陸的五倍。
去年，台灣水果賣到大陸，已經提早享有零關稅的優惠，但我們還是賣不過人家。而且大陸水果賣到台灣是被管制，而且要付關稅的。從此點看，難以掩蓋農產品競爭力不如大陸的事實。
攤開經濟部的報告，稻米、大蒜、香菇、花生等八百三十一項尚對中國進行管制的農產品，以及電機電子產品、汽車以外的運輸工具（船舶、機車、自行車等）、非鐵金屬（鋁、銅等）、成衣、皮革製品、毛巾、鞋類、家具、製鞋、織襪、陶瓷等產業都會出現產能萎縮。
這就是兩岸簽署ECFA換來的代價，股民跟大財團可能因此大賺，但弱勢產業與就業者，將面對大衝擊。ECFA將讓台灣強者恆強、弱者恆弱的問題更嚴重。但問題還不只是大陸商品入侵台灣的問題，還有大陸資金與勞力進來了的問題。按照WTO精神，簽署ECFA，台灣早晚必須開放服務業市場給大陸。
屆時大陸的金融業、服務業、餐飲業等也可以進軍台灣，資本規模大的，有可能打倒台灣本土的中小企業，進而收購台灣企業，讓台灣老闆變成陸幹。更悲觀的狀況，是大陸的低價勞力，也可能取代台灣人。
一位搬家工人，他不懂什麼是ECFA，他也不懂兩岸在談什麼協議，他只聽聞台灣未來可能開放勞力市場讓大陸人來台灣工作，他馬上擔憂的問：「如果四川棒棒來了怎麼辦？」四川管在碼頭幹挑伕的苦力叫「棒棒」，他們可以一根扁擔挑六十斤的重物，以小跑步攀爬斜度六十五度的樓階，而且一個月的工資只要新台幣五千元，台灣的搬家工人，行嗎？
有些替代性也會在對岸發生。「在海西做一顆麵包賣來台灣，加上運費，都比台灣本土做的便宜！」陳博志說。所以未來不是台灣商品賣往大陸賺多少錢的問題，而是有多少台灣商品轉到對岸生產再賣回台灣的問題。
這時候赫然發現，ECFA像是職棒球選手使用興奮劑，短期內可望因此實力大增，解決了目前台灣經濟的困境，但久了就變成了依賴，忘了訓練球技提高實力才重點，總有穿幫的一天，甚至用藥過度還賠上了自己的健康與生命。
利空二：對大陸依存度高，變仰人鼻息
因為簽署ECFA，對台灣還有一個嚴重的潛在問題：各種預估都以推估台灣將取代日韓在中國大陸市場的占有率。這是好處，同時也是壞處。因為今天台灣貿易依存度已有四成依賴中國大陸。當台灣快速取代日韓在大陸市場的地位，也代表我們將我們製造的商品大量賣給中國大陸。
舉民國七十年代台灣鰻魚開始外銷日本的故事為例，當年日本因為台灣鰻魚便宜，而大量從台灣進口，台灣人也一窩蜂的在西部沿海抽地下水養殖鰻魚，高峰時期產量超過五萬噸，產值破百億，幾乎都輸往日本。
但日本本土業者不滿台灣鰻魚讓他們受損，抗議台灣傾銷或是藥檢問題開始出現，一下子讓台灣鰻魚無法大量輸日，沒多久時間，養鰻王國就崩盤，只留下今天台灣西部沿海的地層下陷問題。
同樣的問題，當台灣商品大量賣往中國，社會資源自然往該產業跑，規模會快速膨脹，接著大量的人依賴這個產業為生，有一天，中國大陸突然祭出非關稅障礙，如商品被汙染或規格不符等問題，宣布暫時禁止從台灣進口，屆時傷害恐怕是難以想像。所以過度依賴會變成仰人鼻息。
我們問尹啟銘，怎麼解決過度依賴問題，他說，簽了ECFA有助於台灣跟其他國家簽署FTA，可以分散台灣出口過度集中問題。但陳博志說，簽FTA是主權國家行為，大陸不會同意台灣跟其他國家進行主權國家行為。
兩造說法大不同，但絕對要做的是，簽署ECFA，一定要把台灣能不能跟其他國家簽FTA說清楚。
除此之外，陳博志也提醒，台灣不能期待ECFA效應，一直依賴成本低、勞力密集的產業，「大潤發賣的中國雨傘四十九塊錢，還買不到一塊巧克力。我們這十幾年只顧做低成本，沒有升級，我們要幫助它升級，因為畢竟廉價品台商的量在全世界還是最大的，有那個量你來支持比較高階的升級，你有錢來支持，你有行銷管道可以出去，自行車就是這樣出去！」
其實，尹啟銘或陳博志說的都是產業升級，這道理大概所有台灣人都懂，但簽署ECFA之後就不同了，此後產業升級就要加上一個十年的期限了！不能像以往台灣政府談產業升級可以自己關起門慢慢做，想搞一萬年都可以。因為，時間一到，大陸商品就來競爭了！
台灣的黃金十年，個人和企業能夠做的是，利用中國給台灣的三把泥土：市場、資金、機會，發展出有獨特競爭力的產品，以迎戰未來市場開放後更大的競爭。而政府該做的是，在中國GDP成長還能維持在八％上下的優勢下，把這黃金十年視為調整體質的最佳時機。
十年內，我們必須利用這難得機會強身健體，把握這段黃金期，讓台灣脫胎換骨；反之，就是路越走越小，台灣成為仰賴大國市場與施捨的附庸，你我好一點成陸幹，差一點會成陸勞。
簽ECFA，現在各界持平的看法是「短多長空」。但現在政府急著要拿到中國給的經濟特權，只說了「短多」，不敢談「長空」，經濟部長尹啟銘更說簽了ECFA是「一顆雞蛋三顆蛋黃」。到底嚐了ECFA甜頭、過了蜜月期後，台灣未來要付出什麼代價？如果，台股登上兩萬點，換取的是台灣超過二十四萬人失業。
＊簽署ECFA的利多與利空
利空：產值減少2,683億元
木材製品》減少量：4％；減少金額：33.86億元
其他運輸工具》減少量：3％；減少金額：71.34億元
蔬菜及水果》減少量：6％；減少金額：73.98億元
電機及電子產品》減少量：7％；減少金額：2,491億元
其他製品》減少量：1％；減少金額：12.94億元
利多：產值增加7,947億元、就業人口增加25.7～26.3萬人
紡織業》增加量：16％；增加金額：935.4億元
鋼鐵業》增加量：8％；增加金額：689.8億元
石油及煤產品》增加量：8％；增加金額：614.8億元
化學塑膠業》增加量：15％；增加金額：2,900億元
機械業》增加量：14％；增加金額：2,807億元
備註：電機及電子產品產業受損為資源排擠效果。
資料來源：中華經濟研究院
20091109 THE FALL OF THE WALL TURNS 20 (1)
The Fall of the Wall Turns 20
At midnight on Nov. 9, 1989, people poured through the gates of the Berlin Wall. Crowds of East and West Germans then climbed to the top of the wall and began to destroy it. Now, two decades after that historic night, how will Germany mark the event?
Twentieth anniversary celebration
From Nov. 7th to 9th, people will gather at the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate. The climax will come on the last day when a huge series of domino blocks will fall. This stands for the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
Changes since the fall
Berlin, home again to the German government since 1999, has renewed itself. Many old historic buildings have been restored. Upscale shops once again line the famous avenue Unter den Linden. The DDR Museum educates visitors about life in former East Berlin. The city continues to move forward, but some tension still remains between the "Westerners" and "Easterners." The past will never be forgotten, but the future looks bright for Berlin.
mark n. 記號
mark v. 紀念
=> recognize
eg: Jason marked his 30th birthday with a trip to Europe.
eg: The monument marks the sacrifice of brave soldiers during the Vietnam War.
mark v. 象徵
eg: The death of the king marked the end of his empire.
climax n. 頂點/最高點
=> the highest point, the peak
eg: The climax of the story was very exciting.
re- 再一次
renew v. 重建/重新修復
=> make it new again, redo
eg: After they talked about the problem, their relationship was renewed.
eg: The city government decided to renew the historical building next year.
renew v. 更新/更換
eg: I need to renew my driver's license. It expired recently.
tension n. 緊張局勢/緊張狀況
=> a situation/anger between two people or two group
eg: The tension between the husband and wife was gone when the man apologized for hurting her.
upscale adj. 高檔的/針對高消費群的
=> expensive, a high quality
eg: Many upscale furniture stores closed last year due to the economic recession.
eg: She lives in on upscale area of the city.
domino n. 骨牌
//== Chat Room ==//
stand for something 代表/象徵
=> represent something
eg: USA stands for the United States of America.
stand for 支持/擁護(為某一個理想或是主義奮戰)
=> in favor of something
eg: The United States is a country that stand for democracy
stand up for someone 擁護某人
stand someone up 放人家鴿子
=> fail to keep a date with someone
eg: He stood me up last night.
eg: I got stood up last night.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
This stands for the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
eg: This represents the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
stand
=> on one's feet
stand for
=> represent or mean something
eg: The five rings in the Olympic symbol stand for the continents of this world.
eg: ASAP stands for "as soon as possible."
//== Did you know ==//
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, more than 1,000 dominoes will be set up. The dominoes will cover the two kilometers between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The dominoes will then be knocked down to symbolize the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. The wall of dominoes will take about half in hour to fall.
At midnight on Nov. 9, 1989, people poured through the gates of the Berlin Wall. Crowds of East and West Germans then climbed to the top of the wall and began to destroy it. Now, two decades after that historic night, how will Germany mark the event?
Twentieth anniversary celebration
From Nov. 7th to 9th, people will gather at the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate. The climax will come on the last day when a huge series of domino blocks will fall. This stands for the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
Changes since the fall
Berlin, home again to the German government since 1999, has renewed itself. Many old historic buildings have been restored. Upscale shops once again line the famous avenue Unter den Linden. The DDR Museum educates visitors about life in former East Berlin. The city continues to move forward, but some tension still remains between the "Westerners" and "Easterners." The past will never be forgotten, but the future looks bright for Berlin.
mark n. 記號
mark v. 紀念
=> recognize
eg: Jason marked his 30th birthday with a trip to Europe.
eg: The monument marks the sacrifice of brave soldiers during the Vietnam War.
mark v. 象徵
eg: The death of the king marked the end of his empire.
climax n. 頂點/最高點
=> the highest point, the peak
eg: The climax of the story was very exciting.
re- 再一次
renew v. 重建/重新修復
=> make it new again, redo
eg: After they talked about the problem, their relationship was renewed.
eg: The city government decided to renew the historical building next year.
renew v. 更新/更換
eg: I need to renew my driver's license. It expired recently.
tension n. 緊張局勢/緊張狀況
=> a situation/anger between two people or two group
eg: The tension between the husband and wife was gone when the man apologized for hurting her.
upscale adj. 高檔的/針對高消費群的
=> expensive, a high quality
eg: Many upscale furniture stores closed last year due to the economic recession.
eg: She lives in on upscale area of the city.
domino n. 骨牌
//== Chat Room ==//
stand for something 代表/象徵
=> represent something
eg: USA stands for the United States of America.
stand for 支持/擁護(為某一個理想或是主義奮戰)
=> in favor of something
eg: The United States is a country that stand for democracy
stand up for someone 擁護某人
stand someone up 放人家鴿子
=> fail to keep a date with someone
eg: He stood me up last night.
eg: I got stood up last night.
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
This stands for the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
eg: This represents the chain of events that led to the fall of the wall two decades ago.
stand
=> on one's feet
stand for
=> represent or mean something
eg: The five rings in the Olympic symbol stand for the continents of this world.
eg: ASAP stands for "as soon as possible."
//== Did you know ==//
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, more than 1,000 dominoes will be set up. The dominoes will cover the two kilometers between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. The dominoes will then be knocked down to symbolize the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. The wall of dominoes will take about half in hour to fall.
1分鐘看ECFA
1分鐘看ECFA
全名：「兩岸經濟合作架構協議」 （Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement）
簽署經濟體：台灣與中國
協議內容：包括商品貿易（排除關稅和非關稅障礙）、服務貿易、投資保障、智慧財產權、防衛措施、經濟合作、經貿爭端的解決機制等，是一個涵蓋範圍廣泛的區域貿易協定。
適用範圍：這是一個區域貿易協定，意義是未來這架構將只適用於台灣與中國之間，屬於雙邊的自由貿易。
開放時程：按WTO架構，ECFA屬過渡協定，雖無強制性，但通常在10年內，兩邊必須完成約90％的商品服務免關稅，台灣與中國將互相大幅開放市場給對方。
資料來源：中華經濟研究院
全名：「兩岸經濟合作架構協議」 （Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement）
簽署經濟體：台灣與中國
協議內容：包括商品貿易（排除關稅和非關稅障礙）、服務貿易、投資保障、智慧財產權、防衛措施、經濟合作、經貿爭端的解決機制等，是一個涵蓋範圍廣泛的區域貿易協定。
適用範圍：這是一個區域貿易協定，意義是未來這架構將只適用於台灣與中國之間，屬於雙邊的自由貿易。
開放時程：按WTO架構，ECFA屬過渡協定，雖無強制性，但通常在10年內，兩邊必須完成約90％的商品服務免關稅，台灣與中國將互相大幅開放市場給對方。
資料來源：中華經濟研究院
2009年11月8日 星期日
20091107 Chiling Tong (2)
International leadership Foundation
When asked recently about her latest project, Tong said," I want to help young people gain competence and prepare them to face life's challenges. You become a public servant because you have a passion and a dream and you want to help people." With those goals in mind, Tong and her husband, Joel Szabat, co-founded International Leadership Foundation(ILF). Each year, IlF awards scholarships to approximately 35 Asian-Pacific American college students and sponsors nearly 120 more students for leadership training. The scholarship recipients get hands-on experience while performing public service internships in various govermnental agencies.
New program for Asian students
Whereas the scholarship program is designed for Asian Americans, "Young Ambassadors," ILF's 12-day summer program held in Washington, D.C., is strictly for college students from Asia. It includes lectures on public policy, business negotiation skills, environmental protection, global economic trends and more. Students tour area monuments and government offices, and they visit with congressmen and women. Through its various training programs, ILF strives to raise up future business and government leaders.
Tong's childhood passion for English became a vehicle for personal achievement. oday, she uses her passion, enthusiasm and experience to help prepare others for a orld of exciting opportunities
sponsor v. 贊助/資助
eg: Our university sponsors 45 exchange students who spend one year studying here.
eg: The famous singer sponsors 10 children from Africa.
eg: The football team is sponsored by a telephone company.
sponsor (n) 贊助者
eg: IBM is one of the sponsors of the charity concert.
re- 回來
recipient n. 接受者
=> a person who receive something
eg: Trisha was her school's first female recipient of he citywide science fair award.
eg: All the recipients of the awards will have their photos posted on the school webpage.
eg: The government is helping the welfare recipients find jobs.
negotiation n. 談判,協商;口順利的通過,成功的越過
eg: The negotiation process between the labor union and management may go on for several weeks.
congressman n. 美國國會議員(尤指眾議院議員)
eg: My father called our local congressman to complain about a recently passed law.
internship n. 實習/實習醫師的實習的階段
=> a job you perform/do where your main goal is not making money
=> in the internship your main goal is to learn how to do something
eg: Jason has a summer internship at a local radio station.
internship n. 實習醫師的實習的階段
eg: Ben will start his internship at the county hospital next month.
intern n. 實習生/實習醫師
//== Chat Room ==//
public servant 公僕/公務人員
= civil servant
civil
=> belong to the government
public sector 公部門
private sector 私部門
private citizen 公民
civil service examination 公務人員的考試
appointed 任命的/委派的
named 被任命
//== More Info ==//
About the ILF experience, Jasper Lo of Boston University writes, "[it] opened my eyes not only to work life but to the inner-workings of governments bureaucracy. Overall, the ILF, D.C. Civic Fellowship taught me how to get ahead in the business world, [taught me] an appreciation for government orgzinations and [gave me] the knowledge needed to promote [the cause of] Asian Pacific Americans in today's America."
When asked recently about her latest project, Tong said," I want to help young people gain competence and prepare them to face life's challenges. You become a public servant because you have a passion and a dream and you want to help people." With those goals in mind, Tong and her husband, Joel Szabat, co-founded International Leadership Foundation(ILF). Each year, IlF awards scholarships to approximately 35 Asian-Pacific American college students and sponsors nearly 120 more students for leadership training. The scholarship recipients get hands-on experience while performing public service internships in various govermnental agencies.
New program for Asian students
Whereas the scholarship program is designed for Asian Americans, "Young Ambassadors," ILF's 12-day summer program held in Washington, D.C., is strictly for college students from Asia. It includes lectures on public policy, business negotiation skills, environmental protection, global economic trends and more. Students tour area monuments and government offices, and they visit with congressmen and women. Through its various training programs, ILF strives to raise up future business and government leaders.
Tong's childhood passion for English became a vehicle for personal achievement. oday, she uses her passion, enthusiasm and experience to help prepare others for a orld of exciting opportunities
sponsor v. 贊助/資助
eg: Our university sponsors 45 exchange students who spend one year studying here.
eg: The famous singer sponsors 10 children from Africa.
eg: The football team is sponsored by a telephone company.
sponsor (n) 贊助者
eg: IBM is one of the sponsors of the charity concert.
re- 回來
recipient n. 接受者
=> a person who receive something
eg: Trisha was her school's first female recipient of he citywide science fair award.
eg: All the recipients of the awards will have their photos posted on the school webpage.
eg: The government is helping the welfare recipients find jobs.
negotiation n. 談判,協商;口順利的通過,成功的越過
eg: The negotiation process between the labor union and management may go on for several weeks.
congressman n. 美國國會議員(尤指眾議院議員)
eg: My father called our local congressman to complain about a recently passed law.
internship n. 實習/實習醫師的實習的階段
=> a job you perform/do where your main goal is not making money
=> in the internship your main goal is to learn how to do something
eg: Jason has a summer internship at a local radio station.
internship n. 實習醫師的實習的階段
eg: Ben will start his internship at the county hospital next month.
intern n. 實習生/實習醫師
//== Chat Room ==//
public servant 公僕/公務人員
= civil servant
civil
=> belong to the government
public sector 公部門
private sector 私部門
private citizen 公民
civil service examination 公務人員的考試
appointed 任命的/委派的
named 被任命
//== More Info ==//
About the ILF experience, Jasper Lo of Boston University writes, "[it] opened my eyes not only to work life but to the inner-workings of governments bureaucracy. Overall, the ILF, D.C. Civic Fellowship taught me how to get ahead in the business world, [taught me] an appreciation for government orgzinations and [gave me] the knowledge needed to promote [the cause of] Asian Pacific Americans in today's America."
2009年11月6日 星期五
20091106 Chiling Tong (1)
Chiling Tong(董繼玲)
Her passion for English has led to a productive life of helping others
"Studio Classroom is on the air!" Growing up , Chilling Tong was greeted by these words every morning, and in fact, if she didn't hear them, she knew she had overslept. From an early age, her mother impressed upon her the importance of learning English, and as Tong listened to Studio Classroom, she became curious about America. Thereafter, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
Opportunities abound
Tong's dreams came true in 1984 when she became a student at California State University, Long Beach. After graduating in 1988, she began working for the State of California and over the next 12 years served in various ways. Tong's many roles included assistant secretary for international trade in the California Trade and Commerce Agency. In this capacity, she promoted the state's economic development as well as its trade and employment services.
An even greater opportunity came in 2001 when President George Bush named her commissioner of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Tong next accepted a position in the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she worked until January 2009. Now after 20 years of public service, Tong is taking on a new role.
thereafter adv. 之後/以後
=> after that
eg: Angie first rode a horse when she was 8. Thereafter, she demanded of owning her own horse.
eg: He left his teaching job in Minnesota and settled in Chicago shortly thereafter.
eg: Nancy quit her job last month. Thereafter I didn't hear anything from her.
本課的句子
Thereafter, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
=> After she became curious about America, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
abound v. 充足/大量存在
abound in/with some place
=> abundant of something
eg: Bargains abound at the night market. You never know what you'll find for a great price!
eg: Tropical plants abound on this island.
eg: This beach abounds with coral reefs.
capacity n. 容量
capacity n. 職位/資格
in the capacity as someone 以某種身分
=> position/function
=> 本課指position
eg: Paula has served in the capacity as admininstrative assistant to the CEO for 13 years.
eg: He wrote the article in the capacity as a critic(影評), not a director.
eg: He gave the order in the capacity as the commander-in-chief(總指揮官).
commissioner n. 地方司法行政長官
eg: As the park commissioner, Tom is responsible for all of the city's parks.
Pacific Islander
//== Chat room ==//
oversleep v. 睡過頭
sleep in 刻意想要晚起，多睡一點
eg: I'm planning to sleep in tomorrow.
=> 睡久一點晚一點起床
stay up late 熬夜
sleep late 睡到很晚才起床
=> 有兩個意思
1. 不小心睡過頭
2. 刻意睡大頭叫
//== Grammer on the go ==//
Now after 20 years of public service, Tong is taking on a new role.
=> Now after 20 year of public service, Tong is starting to deal with a new role.
take on 承擔
=> begin to deal with
eg: Stephanice was eager to accept the new projects, but she quickly discovered she had taken an too much work.
eg: Ever since Fred took on a third part-time job in the evenings, he has had to manage his schedule more efficiently.
take off 脫掉
eg: Please take off your coat.
Her passion for English has led to a productive life of helping others
"Studio Classroom is on the air!" Growing up , Chilling Tong was greeted by these words every morning, and in fact, if she didn't hear them, she knew she had overslept. From an early age, her mother impressed upon her the importance of learning English, and as Tong listened to Studio Classroom, she became curious about America. Thereafter, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
Opportunities abound
Tong's dreams came true in 1984 when she became a student at California State University, Long Beach. After graduating in 1988, she began working for the State of California and over the next 12 years served in various ways. Tong's many roles included assistant secretary for international trade in the California Trade and Commerce Agency. In this capacity, she promoted the state's economic development as well as its trade and employment services.
An even greater opportunity came in 2001 when President George Bush named her commissioner of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Tong next accepted a position in the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she worked until January 2009. Now after 20 years of public service, Tong is taking on a new role.
thereafter adv. 之後/以後
=> after that
eg: Angie first rode a horse when she was 8. Thereafter, she demanded of owning her own horse.
eg: He left his teaching job in Minnesota and settled in Chicago shortly thereafter.
eg: Nancy quit her job last month. Thereafter I didn't hear anything from her.
本課的句子
Thereafter, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
=> After she became curious about America, she had a desire to go to pursue her dreams.
abound v. 充足/大量存在
abound in/with some place
=> abundant of something
eg: Bargains abound at the night market. You never know what you'll find for a great price!
eg: Tropical plants abound on this island.
eg: This beach abounds with coral reefs.
capacity n. 容量
capacity n. 職位/資格
in the capacity as someone 以某種身分
=> position/function
=> 本課指position
eg: Paula has served in the capacity as admininstrative assistant to the CEO for 13 years.
eg: He wrote the article in the capacity as a critic(影評), not a director.
eg: He gave the order in the capacity as the commander-in-chief(總指揮官).
commissioner n. 地方司法行政長官
eg: As the park commissioner, Tom is responsible for all of the city's parks.
Pacific Islander
//== Chat room ==//
oversleep v. 睡過頭
sleep in 刻意想要晚起，多睡一點
eg: I'm planning to sleep in tomorrow.
=> 睡久一點晚一點起床
stay up late 熬夜
sleep late 睡到很晚才起床
=> 有兩個意思
1. 不小心睡過頭
2. 刻意睡大頭叫
//== Grammer on the go ==//
Now after 20 years of public service, Tong is taking on a new role.
=> Now after 20 year of public service, Tong is starting to deal with a new role.
take on 承擔
=> begin to deal with
eg: Stephanice was eager to accept the new projects, but she quickly discovered she had taken an too much work.
eg: Ever since Fred took on a third part-time job in the evenings, he has had to manage his schedule more efficiently.
take off 脫掉
eg: Please take off your coat.
2009年11月5日 星期四
Don't be a bean counter, count on bean bags.
商業周刊看到一篇文章，覺得寫得不錯推薦給大家。
文章描寫金士頓創辦人孫大衛給金士頓總裁杜紀川經營公司時發生一些小故事，主要告訴在說不要汲汲營營於眼前的小利，眼光要放遠。
其中金士頓創辦人孫大衛給金士頓總裁杜紀川一句話，這句話杜紀川畢生難忘，這句話是Don't be a bean counter, count on bean bags.
Don't be a bean counter, count on bean bags.
=> 別數眼前幾顆豆子 要就數一整袋
=> 引申的意思為做事要看長遠，不要短視近利
//== 轉錄from 商業週刊 ==//
別數眼前幾顆豆子 要就數一整袋
剛創業時，杜紀川會為了讓客戶多賺五萬美元而懊惱，十年後，他卻連送上門的三億美元都一筆勾銷，因為，他發現追求長期價值，賺得更多。
這麼久的時間，要挑一個人講的一句話，真的很難，」金士頓科技總裁杜紀川緩緩的說，「如果真的有，應該就是十八年前的那句話……。」
十八年前，他的合作夥伴、金士頓科技創辦人孫大衛給了他一句畢生難忘的忠告：「Don't be a bean counter. Count on bean bags.（別做數豆子的人，要數就數一袋袋的豆子）」十八年來，對杜紀川與金士頓公司都影響深遠。
杜紀川是美國華人中的傳奇人物，今年出版的《富比世》雜誌中，他名列全球富豪榜第二百六十一名，身價二十五億美元（約合新台幣八百億元）。他一生經歷多次大起大落，小時候，他被當成不愛念書的「壞學生」，因此被送到德國，畢業後又被德國同事排擠，只好到美西當房地產仲介，第一次創業賺了數百萬美元，卻因交給朋友投資，在三十分鐘內全部賠光。經歷這麼多起落，為什麼這句忠告最讓他刻骨銘心？
「聽起來沒有什麼，但是從做生意，到人際關係、朋友，這句話都有用。」杜紀川說，這句話對他最大的啟示就是，做人要看長遠，要懂得體諒別人的不得已。
不鑽牛角尖，才能看大前提
十八年前，金士頓還是家小公司，當時他們接到一個新客戶，原本以為這個客戶出貨量大不起來，他們給了這家公司相當寬鬆、大約一○％的價格折扣，「原本以為他大概就是做一萬元的生意，就只是一千美元的折扣，」杜紀川回憶，沒想到沒多久，這家公司的業績就衝上一百萬美元，在金士頓，這個規模應該只有五％的折扣，想到對方多賺了五萬美元，杜紀川想推翻原本的合約，卻被孫大衛阻止。
「Don't be a bean counter.（別做數豆子的人）」孫大衛說，在美國俚語裡，bean counter是指目光如豆、整天算計的人，「每天想你今天賺了幾個豆子，你的思想、決定，都被那幾個豆子影響。」杜紀川回憶，孫大衛告訴他，「你與其每天數，為什麼不一年，或一個階段，再來數你賺了幾袋的豆子呢？」
這句話讓杜紀川茅塞頓開，因為在美國做生意有種種合約、規章，所有人都處心積慮的要保護自己的利益，「但越看越鑽牛角尖，反而不看大前提，破壞了好的機會。」像這個例子裡，看到別人多賺了五萬美元，其實忘了自己也賺了不少錢，如果為五萬美元單方推翻合約，只是數現在能賺到的一點點錢，卻沒考慮未來能賺到的大錢。「經營公司當然要有紀律、要認真，但你也要記得，人總有不得已的時候。」杜紀川說，「我追求的是（公平），每一次交易，我都會為自己，也為別人考慮。」對人公平，曾有好的回報。
杜紀川做過的決定，足以證明他真的相信這句話。一九九六年時，日本軟體銀行以十四億四千萬美元的股權，買下金士頓，換取穩定的現金流。二０００年時，遇上網路泡沫，軟體銀行卻還有三億美元沒付出來，他們找孫大衛到日本開會詢問能不能延後付款，最後孫大衛和杜紀川卻都決定，這三億美元不要了，一筆勾銷，「連日本軟體銀行的人都問，你們真的可以這樣做嗎？」「我們心安理得。」杜紀川說，因為把金士頓賣給軟體銀行時，就覺得賣得太貴，杜紀川當時也曾提醒軟體銀行，對方卻因為急於得標，仍然開出天價，
因此，杜紀川和孫大衛覺得，這三億美元是多出來的錢，不需要為這筆錢讓對方受苦，決定放棄。「當你選擇對別人公平的時候，有八成機會，會有好的回報，」杜紀川說。沒多久，軟體銀行決定把金士頓的股權全數賣掉，「他們可以賣給任何人，我們就必須因此離開公司，」杜紀川說，但軟體銀行最後決定只用五億美元，把公司賣
回給孫大衛和杜紀川，和賣掉公司的價錢相比，他們最後竟賺了六億四千萬美元。
文章描寫金士頓創辦人孫大衛給金士頓總裁杜紀川經營公司時發生一些小故事，主要告訴在說不要汲汲營營於眼前的小利，眼光要放遠。
其中金士頓創辦人孫大衛給金士頓總裁杜紀川一句話，這句話杜紀川畢生難忘，這句話是Don't be a bean counter, count on bean bags.
Don't be a bean counter, count on bean bags.
=> 別數眼前幾顆豆子 要就數一整袋
=> 引申的意思為做事要看長遠，不要短視近利
//== 轉錄from 商業週刊 ==//
別數眼前幾顆豆子 要就數一整袋
剛創業時，杜紀川會為了讓客戶多賺五萬美元而懊惱，十年後，他卻連送上門的三億美元都一筆勾銷，因為，他發現追求長期價值，賺得更多。
這麼久的時間，要挑一個人講的一句話，真的很難，」金士頓科技總裁杜紀川緩緩的說，「如果真的有，應該就是十八年前的那句話……。」
十八年前，他的合作夥伴、金士頓科技創辦人孫大衛給了他一句畢生難忘的忠告：「Don't be a bean counter. Count on bean bags.（別做數豆子的人，要數就數一袋袋的豆子）」十八年來，對杜紀川與金士頓公司都影響深遠。
杜紀川是美國華人中的傳奇人物，今年出版的《富比世》雜誌中，他名列全球富豪榜第二百六十一名，身價二十五億美元（約合新台幣八百億元）。他一生經歷多次大起大落，小時候，他被當成不愛念書的「壞學生」，因此被送到德國，畢業後又被德國同事排擠，只好到美西當房地產仲介，第一次創業賺了數百萬美元，卻因交給朋友投資，在三十分鐘內全部賠光。經歷這麼多起落，為什麼這句忠告最讓他刻骨銘心？
「聽起來沒有什麼，但是從做生意，到人際關係、朋友，這句話都有用。」杜紀川說，這句話對他最大的啟示就是，做人要看長遠，要懂得體諒別人的不得已。
不鑽牛角尖，才能看大前提
十八年前，金士頓還是家小公司，當時他們接到一個新客戶，原本以為這個客戶出貨量大不起來，他們給了這家公司相當寬鬆、大約一○％的價格折扣，「原本以為他大概就是做一萬元的生意，就只是一千美元的折扣，」杜紀川回憶，沒想到沒多久，這家公司的業績就衝上一百萬美元，在金士頓，這個規模應該只有五％的折扣，想到對方多賺了五萬美元，杜紀川想推翻原本的合約，卻被孫大衛阻止。
「Don't be a bean counter.（別做數豆子的人）」孫大衛說，在美國俚語裡，bean counter是指目光如豆、整天算計的人，「每天想你今天賺了幾個豆子，你的思想、決定，都被那幾個豆子影響。」杜紀川回憶，孫大衛告訴他，「你與其每天數，為什麼不一年，或一個階段，再來數你賺了幾袋的豆子呢？」
這句話讓杜紀川茅塞頓開，因為在美國做生意有種種合約、規章，所有人都處心積慮的要保護自己的利益，「但越看越鑽牛角尖，反而不看大前提，破壞了好的機會。」像這個例子裡，看到別人多賺了五萬美元，其實忘了自己也賺了不少錢，如果為五萬美元單方推翻合約，只是數現在能賺到的一點點錢，卻沒考慮未來能賺到的大錢。「經營公司當然要有紀律、要認真，但你也要記得，人總有不得已的時候。」杜紀川說，「我追求的是（公平），每一次交易，我都會為自己，也為別人考慮。」對人公平，曾有好的回報。
杜紀川做過的決定，足以證明他真的相信這句話。一九九六年時，日本軟體銀行以十四億四千萬美元的股權，買下金士頓，換取穩定的現金流。二０００年時，遇上網路泡沫，軟體銀行卻還有三億美元沒付出來，他們找孫大衛到日本開會詢問能不能延後付款，最後孫大衛和杜紀川卻都決定，這三億美元不要了，一筆勾銷，「連日本軟體銀行的人都問，你們真的可以這樣做嗎？」「我們心安理得。」杜紀川說，因為把金士頓賣給軟體銀行時，就覺得賣得太貴，杜紀川當時也曾提醒軟體銀行，對方卻因為急於得標，仍然開出天價，
因此，杜紀川和孫大衛覺得，這三億美元是多出來的錢，不需要為這筆錢讓對方受苦，決定放棄。「當你選擇對別人公平的時候，有八成機會，會有好的回報，」杜紀川說。沒多久，軟體銀行決定把金士頓的股權全數賣掉，「他們可以賣給任何人，我們就必須因此離開公司，」杜紀川說，但軟體銀行最後決定只用五億美元，把公司賣
回給孫大衛和杜紀川，和賣掉公司的價錢相比，他們最後竟賺了六億四千萬美元。
20091105 The Top Of Europe (2)
The Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch
The train stops at two viewing stations within the tunnel, rewarding riders with stunning views of green valleys and snowy mountains. Finally, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, "the top of Europe," The multilevel station sits at 3,454 meters in a winter wonderland between the Jungfrau and the Monch. After enjoying the scenery from the station, tourists visit the Ice Palace, a group of rooms carved out of a glacier. Or they can take husky-drawn sled ride through the snow.
Cheese, Please!
Back near the base of the mountains, visitors continue to admire the region's beauty. Travelers can also please their taste buds with Switzerland's most famous food: cheese! Cheese fondue is a tourist favorite. Eating this dish involves dipping pieces of French bread into a pot of melted cheese. Another common dish is raclette cheese melted over potatoes and eaten with pickles. Suppentopf stew, a local favorite, contains beef and vegetables covered with - of course - Swiss cheese. Whether visitors stay two days or two weeks, they'll always remember the spectacular sights and mouthwatering tastes of the Jungfrau Region.
stun v. 使震驚
stunning adj. 令人驚奇的/令人震驚的/了不起的
=> extremely attractive/beautiful
eg: On her wedding day, Joyce wore a stunning white and silver gown(婦女穿的長禮服).
eg: The stunning scene of the car accident still haunts him fifteen years later.
eg: She wore a stunning evening gown and captured everyone's eyes.
carve v. 刻雕
=> cut into
eg: Vance gave his daughter a doll carved out of a piece of wood.
eg: The ice sculpture was carved outdoors.
carve out of something 用...刻出來的
eg: This canoe was carved out of a tree trunk.
=> 獨木舟是用樹幹刻出來的
carve v. 切肉
eg:The hostess carved the ham for the guests.
taste bud n. 味蕾/口味
eg: Located on the tongue, taste buds allow people to recognize different flavors.
stew n. 燉煮的食物
eg: For dinner, Mrs. Carter served a delicious vegetable stew full of carrots, potatoes and beans.
eg: Grandma's beef stew(燉牛肉) is quite famous in her neighborhood.
eg: Janet prepared a hearty(豐盛的) bean stew(燉豆子) for dinner.
stew v. 燉煮的食物
eg: We stewed the lamb with lots of onions.
husky-drawn sled 哈士奇拉的雪橇
//== Chat room ==//
a multilevel station 一個多層的駐地
= a multistory station
scrap v. 刮到/磨到
skyscraper 摩天大樓
=> 磨到天空的東西 =>
high rise 高樓
a high-rise apartment building
tower 高樓/高塔
the Sears Tower in Chicago
the Petronas Towers
Jungfraujoch
The train stops at two viewing stations within the tunnel, rewarding riders with stunning views of green valleys and snowy mountains. Finally, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, "the top of Europe," The multilevel station sits at 3,454 meters in a winter wonderland between the Jungfrau and the Monch. After enjoying the scenery from the station, tourists visit the Ice Palace, a group of rooms carved out of a glacier. Or they can take husky-drawn sled ride through the snow.
Cheese, Please!
Back near the base of the mountains, visitors continue to admire the region's beauty. Travelers can also please their taste buds with Switzerland's most famous food: cheese! Cheese fondue is a tourist favorite. Eating this dish involves dipping pieces of French bread into a pot of melted cheese. Another common dish is raclette cheese melted over potatoes and eaten with pickles. Suppentopf stew, a local favorite, contains beef and vegetables covered with - of course - Swiss cheese. Whether visitors stay two days or two weeks, they'll always remember the spectacular sights and mouthwatering tastes of the Jungfrau Region.
stun v. 使震驚
stunning adj. 令人驚奇的/令人震驚的/了不起的
=> extremely attractive/beautiful
eg: On her wedding day, Joyce wore a stunning white and silver gown(婦女穿的長禮服).
eg: The stunning scene of the car accident still haunts him fifteen years later.
eg: She wore a stunning evening gown and captured everyone's eyes.
carve v. 刻雕
=> cut into
eg: Vance gave his daughter a doll carved out of a piece of wood.
eg: The ice sculpture was carved outdoors.
carve out of something 用...刻出來的
eg: This canoe was carved out of a tree trunk.
=> 獨木舟是用樹幹刻出來的
carve v. 切肉
eg:The hostess carved the ham for the guests.
taste bud n. 味蕾/口味
eg: Located on the tongue, taste buds allow people to recognize different flavors.
stew n. 燉煮的食物
eg: For dinner, Mrs. Carter served a delicious vegetable stew full of carrots, potatoes and beans.
eg: Grandma's beef stew(燉牛肉) is quite famous in her neighborhood.
eg: Janet prepared a hearty(豐盛的) bean stew(燉豆子) for dinner.
stew v. 燉煮的食物
eg: We stewed the lamb with lots of onions.
husky-drawn sled 哈士奇拉的雪橇
//== Chat room ==//
a multilevel station 一個多層的駐地
= a multistory station
scrap v. 刮到/磨到
skyscraper 摩天大樓
=> 磨到天空的東西 =>
high rise 高樓
a high-rise apartment building
tower 高樓/高塔
the Sears Tower in Chicago
the Petronas Towers
2009年11月4日 星期三
20091104 The Top Of Europe (1)
The Top Of Europe
Experience the best of the Alps in Switzerland's Jungfrau Region
Anyone who has traveled through Europe no doubt recalls its impressive landmarks, museums and historic sites. While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions, the country's spectaucular natural beauty is what attracts touists. The Jungfrau Region, with its breathtaking secenery, stands out as the most dramatic example of that beauty.
Located in central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region draws over half a million tourists each year. The Alps' most famous trio- the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau - dominates the area. These three massive snow - covered mountains and their surrounding valleys, waterfalls and lakes make the region an idyllic vacation destination.
The train ride of a lifetime
Trains and cable cars conveniently connect many of the region's villages, making it easy to see all the sights. At Kleine Scheidegg, a beautiful ski and hiking area, tourists board a cogwheel train for a thrilling climb to Jungfraujoch, Europ's highest railway station. After offering amazing glacier views, the train enters a 7.3 km mountain tunnel. As the train creeps upward, the railroad's engineering -a 16 year construction effort- fascinates tourists.
scenery n. 風景/景色
eg: The spectacular mountain scenery of Guilin(桂林) can be seen in many Chinese paintings.
trio n. 三個(或三人)一組/三件一套
=> a group of three people or three things
eg: In the late 1990s, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman were the most famous trie in basketball.
eg: The family business is run by a trio made up of the boss and his two sons.
eg: This jazz trio(爵士樂三重奏) is quite famous in New York.
eg: The trio ofsswimmers each won medals in the freestyle and backstroke categories.
idyllic adj. 田園詩的/牧歌的
eg: The grassy spot under that beautiful tree is an idyllic place for a picnic.
eg: Many people moved from the city to the countryside to enjoy an idyllic life.
eg: The small idyllic village is only accessible by boat.
fascinate v. 有吸引力/迷人
eg: The toy's bright lights and interesting sounds fascienated the baby.
eg: Her singing fascinated the whole audience.
eg: Anything with numbers fascinates my son.
eg: The boy was fascinated by the toy train in the window.
cable car 纜車
cogwheel n. 【機】鈍齒輪/木齒鐵輪
=> a wheel has teeth on it
thrilling adj. 毛骨悚然的/令人興奮的
creep v. 爬行/匍匐而行/緩慢地行進
creep crept crept
//== Chat Room ==//
THREE
a three-ring circus
=> 原意:三環馬戲團
=> 引申為沒有秩序混亂的場面
Three strikes and you're out!
=> 三個好球就出局
=> 三次機會
=> 或者被記三次過就會被開除也可以說這句話
the three Rs 基礎教育的三要素
reading, writing, arithmetic 讀寫算
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions,the country's spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
=> While Switzerland boosts its part of those attractions, the country's spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
share
=> to divide or use something with someone else
eg: There aren't enough textbooks, so the students have to share.
share
=> in today's article it means "a part of something"
eg: We have a lot of clean-up work to do, but if everyone does their share, we can get it all done in one day.
eg: Although the inheritance was divided equally among the five sons, the oldest son believed he deserved a bigger share.
Experience the best of the Alps in Switzerland's Jungfrau Region
Anyone who has traveled through Europe no doubt recalls its impressive landmarks, museums and historic sites. While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions, the country's spectaucular natural beauty is what attracts touists. The Jungfrau Region, with its breathtaking secenery, stands out as the most dramatic example of that beauty.
Located in central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region draws over half a million tourists each year. The Alps' most famous trio- the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau - dominates the area. These three massive snow - covered mountains and their surrounding valleys, waterfalls and lakes make the region an idyllic vacation destination.
The train ride of a lifetime
Trains and cable cars conveniently connect many of the region's villages, making it easy to see all the sights. At Kleine Scheidegg, a beautiful ski and hiking area, tourists board a cogwheel train for a thrilling climb to Jungfraujoch, Europ's highest railway station. After offering amazing glacier views, the train enters a 7.3 km mountain tunnel. As the train creeps upward, the railroad's engineering -a 16 year construction effort- fascinates tourists.
scenery n. 風景/景色
eg: The spectacular mountain scenery of Guilin(桂林) can be seen in many Chinese paintings.
trio n. 三個(或三人)一組/三件一套
=> a group of three people or three things
eg: In the late 1990s, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman were the most famous trie in basketball.
eg: The family business is run by a trio made up of the boss and his two sons.
eg: This jazz trio(爵士樂三重奏) is quite famous in New York.
eg: The trio ofsswimmers each won medals in the freestyle and backstroke categories.
idyllic adj. 田園詩的/牧歌的
eg: The grassy spot under that beautiful tree is an idyllic place for a picnic.
eg: Many people moved from the city to the countryside to enjoy an idyllic life.
eg: The small idyllic village is only accessible by boat.
fascinate v. 有吸引力/迷人
eg: The toy's bright lights and interesting sounds fascienated the baby.
eg: Her singing fascinated the whole audience.
eg: Anything with numbers fascinates my son.
eg: The boy was fascinated by the toy train in the window.
cable car 纜車
cogwheel n. 【機】鈍齒輪/木齒鐵輪
=> a wheel has teeth on it
thrilling adj. 毛骨悚然的/令人興奮的
creep v. 爬行/匍匐而行/緩慢地行進
creep crept crept
//== Chat Room ==//
THREE
a three-ring circus
=> 原意:三環馬戲團
=> 引申為沒有秩序混亂的場面
Three strikes and you're out!
=> 三個好球就出局
=> 三次機會
=> 或者被記三次過就會被開除也可以說這句話
the three Rs 基礎教育的三要素
reading, writing, arithmetic 讀寫算
//== Grammar on the Go ==//
While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions,the country's spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
=> While Switzerland boosts its part of those attractions, the country's spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
share
=> to divide or use something with someone else
eg: There aren't enough textbooks, so the students have to share.
share
=> in today's article it means "a part of something"
eg: We have a lot of clean-up work to do, but if everyone does their share, we can get it all done in one day.
eg: Although the inheritance was divided equally among the five sons, the oldest son believed he deserved a bigger share.
2009年11月3日 星期二
20091103 Expressing Opinions (2)
Expressing Opinions
Conversation A
Jack: Hi, Laura. You look pretty upset.
Laura: I am. I just attended a very annoying meeting.
Jack: why was it annoying?
Laura: All we did was argue. No one agreed on anything.
Jack: Well, at least you know where everyone stands on the issues.
Laura: True. But everyone has strong opinions, so we may never make a decision.
Jack: Who led the meeting?
Laura: No one, Jim, the guy who was supposed to lead it, didn't take charge.
Jack: So it was a disaster.
Laura: Yes. I think I'll talk with him before the next meeting and encourage him to take control.
Jack: Good idea.
conversation B
Jack: Oh boy, I need to help the new guy in our office, Steve.
Laura: Why?
Jack: Because he always says exactly what he thinks.
Laura: What's wrong with that?
Jack: He's not sensitive. Being honest is good, but you have to be careful how you say things.
Laura: Yes, you do , or people won't have a very favorable opinion of you.
Jack: Steve needs to think before he speaks and consider the effect of his words.
Laura: Well, I hope you can help him understand the importance of tact. If you can't, he's going to have a difficult time.
annoying adj. 討厭的/惱人的/使人煩惱的
eg: Cecity is so annoying. She talks all the time!
take charge 掌管
eg: After Mom took charge of the picnic, everything went well.
sensitive adj. 敏銳的
eg: Hank asks too many embarrassing questions. He's not sensitive to others' feelings.
eg: A good nanny should be sensitive to the baby's needs and know how to respond.
sensitive adj. 體貼的
eg: Peter is a warm and sensitive husband.
sensitive adj. 敏感的
eg: Brenda has very sensitive skin. She can't stay in the sun too long.
favor v. 偏愛
favorable adj. 贊同的/稱讚的
=> good/positive
eg: Everyone has a favorable opinion of your idea, so let's do it!
eg: The movie received favorable reviews(好評) from the critics.
eg: The New CEO has created a very favorable impression of the company.
tact Un. 應對得體/老練/機智/圓滑
eg: He showed great tact during the negotiations.
eg: You need a lot of tact to deal with angry customers in the customer service.
know where one stands with sb/something 知道某人對[某人/某事]的看法
=> know what they think/feel about certain issue
upset adj. 心煩的/苦惱的
//== Chat Room ==//
So it was a disaster.
disaster n. 災難/失敗的結果
=> In today's article it means "a total failure".
eg: The dinner party was a disaster.
catastrophe n. 大敗/慘敗
fiasco n. 完全失敗/可恥的失敗
Conversation A
Jack: Hi, Laura. You look pretty upset.
Laura: I am. I just attended a very annoying meeting.
Jack: why was it annoying?
Laura: All we did was argue. No one agreed on anything.
Jack: Well, at least you know where everyone stands on the issues.
Laura: True. But everyone has strong opinions, so we may never make a decision.
Jack: Who led the meeting?
Laura: No one, Jim, the guy who was supposed to lead it, didn't take charge.
Jack: So it was a disaster.
Laura: Yes. I think I'll talk with him before the next meeting and encourage him to take control.
Jack: Good idea.
conversation B
Jack: Oh boy, I need to help the new guy in our office, Steve.
Laura: Why?
Jack: Because he always says exactly what he thinks.
Laura: What's wrong with that?
Jack: He's not sensitive. Being honest is good, but you have to be careful how you say things.
Laura: Yes, you do , or people won't have a very favorable opinion of you.
Jack: Steve needs to think before he speaks and consider the effect of his words.
Laura: Well, I hope you can help him understand the importance of tact. If you can't, he's going to have a difficult time.
annoying adj. 討厭的/惱人的/使人煩惱的
eg: Cecity is so annoying. She talks all the time!
take charge 掌管
eg: After Mom took charge of the picnic, everything went well.
sensitive adj. 敏銳的
eg: Hank asks too many embarrassing questions. He's not sensitive to others' feelings.
eg: A good nanny should be sensitive to the baby's needs and know how to respond.
sensitive adj. 體貼的
eg: Peter is a warm and sensitive husband.
sensitive adj. 敏感的
eg: Brenda has very sensitive skin. She can't stay in the sun too long.
favor v. 偏愛
favorable adj. 贊同的/稱讚的
=> good/positive
eg: Everyone has a favorable opinion of your idea, so let's do it!
eg: The movie received favorable reviews(好評) from the critics.
eg: The New CEO has created a very favorable impression of the company.
tact Un. 應對得體/老練/機智/圓滑
eg: He showed great tact during the negotiations.
eg: You need a lot of tact to deal with angry customers in the customer service.
know where one stands with sb/something 知道某人對[某人/某事]的看法
=> know what they think/feel about certain issue
upset adj. 心煩的/苦惱的
//== Chat Room ==//
So it was a disaster.
disaster n. 災難/失敗的結果
=> In today's article it means "a total failure".
eg: The dinner party was a disaster.
catastrophe n. 大敗/慘敗
fiasco n. 完全失敗/可恥的失敗
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