Emotional Skills (1)

Dealing with your own and other people’s feelings

When you think of life skills, you typically think of things like cooking or fixing broken objects. These sorts of skills help regulate the environment around you. But skills that help you regulate what's going on inside of you are equally important. In other words, there are skills you can learn to help you manage difficult emotions. Those emotions don't have to stop you from being successful.

Take responsibility
When I was a child, I often accused my brother of making me mad. My mom was quick to correct me. "He can't make you mad," she would say. "He just does things, and you choose how you respond."

Although people sometimes try to provoke us to anger, each of us is responsible for our own reaction. We can choose how we interpret the actions of others and whether we will act on how we feel.

This also applies to other emotions besides anger. Fear, for example, is a common feeling that can sometimes cause trouble. Learning to do things that we're afraid of is an important part of becoming mature.


Language Lab
emotional adj.
relating to emotions
- Mark's friends came to his debut to give him emotional support.
- The child suffers from emotional trauma because of his parents' sudden divorce.
likely to show or express emotion : easily upset, excited, etc.
- The singer got very emotional in his farewell concert while thanking his fans.
emotion n.
a strong feeling (such as love, anger, joy, hate, or fear)
- Connie doesn't show her emotion easily.

regulate v. 管理；控制；為……制訂規章；校準；調整，調節
to set or adjust the amount, degree, or rate of (something) : control
- The humidity and temperature of the lab is carefully regulated.
- The rule is to regulate the price competition between the manufacturers.
regulation n. 規章；規則，規定；條例[C]；管理；調整，調節；校準
an official rule or law that says how something should be done: law
- People demand stronger government regulations for child care institutes.
- Restaurants need to comply with the new sanitary regulations.

provoke v.
to cause the occurrence of (a feeling or action) : to make (something) happen
- The governor's comment provoked negative reactions from many people.
- Richard is always rational and calm; Nothing you say can provoke him.
provocative adj.
causing discussion, thought, argument, etc.
- The boy's provocative behavior got him into fights with other boys at school.

interpret v.
to explain the meaning of (something)
- The girl's silence was interpreted as protest by her patents.
to translate the words that someone is speaking into a different language : to repeat what someone says in a different language than the language originally used
- The president doesn't speak any English, so he had his secretary interpret everything he said.

Info Cloud
topic: in the depths of something
- Since the funeral, Peter has been in the depths of depression.

from the bottom of someone's heart
- From the bottom of my heart, I love you all!

Hello friends, welcome to info cloud. I can’t hope but notice that Rex seems down lately. Is something wrong, Rex?

Oh, thanks for asking. I set high standard for myself and when I don’t reach them, I find myself in the depths of sadness.

Well, let’s talk about your situation in what you just said “in the depths of something” may be talking about your help.

Okay, in the depths of something usually refers to being deep into a negative situation such as depression, trouble or some economic crisis.

The word depth indicates the bottom or a very deep part of something.

For example, the country has been in the depths of an economic recession for many years, thus, it is deeply trapped in that situation.

Another expression that sounds a little similar but has a very different meaning is “from the bottom of someone’s heart”.

People often say this to emphasize they really care about the other person.

So, Rex, from the bottom of my heart, I really care about how you feel right now. Are you feeling any better?

Yes, I am, thank you so much for talking with me and being such a great friend.

No problem. I want you to know I really treasure our friendship from the bottom of my heart.

Cellphones at School (1)

Are cellphones helpful or harmful at school?

Mark! Why didn't you meet me for lunch? Didn't you get my text message?

No, I didn't. My math teacher took away my phone until after school.

Why did he do that?

I wasn't paying attention in class. I was reading on my phone about a new movie.

Not smart! But I've noticed more and more students misusing their phones in class. Maybe schools should ban cellphones completely.

No way! I couldn't live one hour without my phone! I rely on it for everything.

But you won't do well in school if your phone distracts you too much.

Hmm. What if we could do some lessons on our phones? Then we would need cellphones in class. Hey! I think I just had a great idea!

Maybe. But how can teachers know if students are using their phones for learning or not?

Maybe there's an app that can help teachers to know.

You should hope not. Besides, not everyone can afford a nice new smartphone like yours. My old phone can't teach anyone anything. All it can do is make calls and text.

Aha! Now I know why you don't want cellphones in class.


Language Lab
misuse v.
to use (something) incorrectly
- The patient was hospitalized because he misused his medication.
- The bank clerk was charged with misusing customers' money.
the act of using something in an illegal, improper, or unfair way : incorrect use
- The mayor was jailed for misuse of power and taking bribes.

ban v.
to forbid people from using (something) : to say that something cannot be used or done
- Indoor smoking is banned in many countries.
to forbid (someone) from doing or being part of something — usually + from
- The members of the baseball team were banned from drinking during training seasons.
ban n.
an official rule saying that people are not allowed to use or do something
- The ban on pork imports was lifted last month.

confiscate v.
/ˈkɑːnfəˌskeɪt/
to take (something) away from someone especially as punishment or to enforce the law or rules
- The teacher confiscated all cell phones for the duration of the field trip.

app=application n.
a computer program that performs a special function :
- This app can only run on computers, not smart phones or tablets.
- The app can translate seven different languages into English in an instant.
- You can download this app for free, but you have to pay if you want to use the upgraded version.

afford v.
to be able to pay for (something)
- The couple can't afford a house now, so they bought an apartment instead.
to supply or provide (something needed or wanted) to someone
- I can't afford an hour for lunch today; I'm really busy.
affordable adj.
to be able to pay for (something)
- Expensive college tuition isn't affordable for many families.


Info Cloud
Topic: monophobia = no-mobile-phone-phobia

Hello and welcome to info cloud, friends.

Today we are talking about a newer word that describes a certain type of fear.

And the word is nomophobia. It’s the fear of not having or not being able to use your smartphone.

Keep in mind this isn’t an official phobia or fear yet. A psychologist won’t diagnose you with nomophobia, but it’s a common problem today.

The term originates in the UK, and is an abbreviation of no-mobile-phone-phobia.

Many psychologists believe that our overuse of smartphones causes us to have an unhealthy relationship with our phones.

Although, anyone could have anxiety related to not having their phone with them, it is far more common in teenagers and college students.

But to be honest, even I sometimes feel anxious by accidentally leave my smartphone at home. What if I miss an important message? In fact, both Rex and I have smartphones on us right now.

Now some people suggest finding time every week to turn off their phone and focus on face-to-face interactions.

It is certainly a good start. Nomophobia may be more common in younger people but any smartphone user can struggle with this problem.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2) [8/29/2019]

Muff Potter's trial begins. Tom finds the courage to testify against Injun Joe. Muff is acquitted, and Injun Joe jumps out a window and escapes.

Tom and Huck go treasure hunting in a haunted house. While there, they see Injun Joe and a companion. As Tom and Huck watch, the two dig and find a box of gold! They carry it away with them. Huck begins to follow Injun Joe every night, looking for a chance to steal the gold.

Meanwhile, Tom, Becky and their classmates go on a picnic to McDougal's Cave. Tom and Becky get lost in the cave and soon run out of food and candles.

Tom desperately searches for a way out. As he searches, he sees Injun Joe who is using the cave for a hideout. Thankfully, Injun Joe doesn't see Tom. Tom finally finds a way out of the cave, and the town celebrates the pair's return. Becky's father, Judge Thatcher, locks up the cave. Injun Joe is trapped inside and starves to death. A week later, Tom shows Huck the hole where he escaped from the cave. They go in and find the gold.


Language Lab
testify v.
to talk and answer questions about something especially in a court of law while formally promising that what you are saying is true
- The witness didn't show up at the court to testify.
testify against
- The witness testified against the thief saying that she had seen him take the victim's wallet.
testimony n.
something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth
- The eye witness's testimony was important evidence in the case.

acquit v.
/əˈkwɪt/  acquits; acquitted; acquitting
to decide that someone is not guilty of a crime
- The defendant was acquitted of all the charges against her and was released by the court.
- The CEO was acquitted of misconduct and kept his job.
acquit oneself
- Even though the quarterback's knee is hurt, he acquitted himself very well today.

desperately adv. 拼命的
- The gazelle ran desperately trying to escape from the cheetah.
非常的
- These refugees need food and medical supplies desperately.
desperate adj.
having a strong need or desire for something or to do something
- Tom is penniless, and he is desperate to find a job a place to stay.

hideout n.
a place where someone (such as a criminal) hides to avoid being found or captured
- The leader of the Mafia retreated to his hideout after the gang fight.
- The abandoned house was the hideout of a group of professional pickpockets.
- Several hideouts of the rebels were discovered and destroyed.


Info Cloud
Topic: no picnic 

Hello and welcome to info cloud. Today I want to share with you some tips on giving presentations to your peers.

Joe is a member of toastmaster’s international, a group that work to perfect the art of public speaking.

Toastmasters is an international organization with a long history of helping people of all backgrounds become confident public speakers.

That reminds me, I forgot to ask about your speech competition last week. How did you do?

Actually, I didn’t compete because I was one of the organizers of the event. I love competing but organizing such a large event, whew, is no picnic.

I can imagine there are a lot of details to deal with. Joe used a great expression here, organizing a large event is no picnic.

I used this phrase because people think of a picnic something easy and enjoyable. When something is no picnic, it means it was hard or challenging or even unenjoyable.

But since Joe has been working hard with toastmasters for years now, I take what he said to mean that organizing a contest was challenging.

That’s exactly right. I love working with toastmaster members, I love participating in the contest but organizing everything really is no picnic.

- It is no picnic. 一件辛苦困難的事。

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1) [8/28/2019]

Making mischief in a small town on the Mississippi

Tom Sawyer lives with his Aunt Polly and his half brother, Sid, in the Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Sid is a very good boy, but Tom would rather play and make mischief than go to school. One Friday, Tom plays hooky from school and gets his clothes dirty in a fight. Tom has to paint the fence as punishment. But Tom is tricky. He soon convinces his friends to trade him their treasures for the privilege of painting the fence for him!

There is a new girl in town. Her name is Becky Thatcher. Tom persuades her to get "engaged" to him. But when she finds out Tom has been "engaged" before, she breaks up with him. After this heartbreak, Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn visit the graveyard at night. There they witness the murder of Dr. Robinson by Injun Joe, a mean man who is part Native American. Joe blames his drunken friend Muff Potter for the crime, so Muff is arrested and put in jail. Tom is scared of Injun Joe, so he doesn't say what he knows. But he feels very guilty.


Language Lab
mischief n. [mischievous]
/ˈmɪstʃəf/
behavior or activity that is annoying but that is not meant to cause serious harm or damage
- Ryan gets into mischief when he's bored.
- Peter's eyes twinkled with boyish mischief when he did behind his wife trying to scare her.
- Those children are always up to some mischief. = Those children are always getting into mischief.
harmful behavior
- The flood caused serious mischief in the area.

privilege n.
/ˈprɪvlɪʤ/
a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others
- Our VIP customers enjoy the privileges of extra discounts and special promotions.
- Frank is a son of privilege and wealth, so he never has to worry about money.
a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud
- It's such a privilege to be the student of such a prestigious professor!

witness v.
to see (something) happen
- A woman who witnessed the robbery called 911.
- George witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall when he was traveling in Germany.
to be the time or place when (something) happens
- The signing of the contract was witnessed by the lawyers of both parties.
law : to be present at (an event) in order to be able to say that it happened : to act as a legal witness of (something)
- The witnesses of the crime were students of a nearby college.

guilty adj.
showing that you know you have done something bad or wrong
- Gloria feels guilty about lying to her parents.
responsible for committing a crime or doing something bad or wrong
— often + of
- The jury found the defendant guilty of fraud.
guilt n.
responsibility for a crime or for doing something bad or wrong
- The girl is full of strong feelings of guilt because she changed her grades.


Info Cloud
Topic: indigenous people

Hello and welcome to info cloud. I recently attended a leadership conference. Joe, have you ever heard of the phrase, “your vibe attracts your tribe”?

Hum, I have, it means that your personality will attract the group of people who were similar to you.

One of my friends mentioned that using the word tribe might be a little bit offensive to aboriginal people.

I’ve heard the same, Rex. Terms related to indigenous peoples can be difficult. Let’s look at some terms commonly used in North America.

In the US, people used to refer to native peoples as Indians or American Indians which came from explorers, believing, they were in the East Indies.

Over time this term has replaced with Native American. But you’ll find people who still use American Indian.

Notice that aboriginal is never used to describe Native Americans. This term is typically limited to native peoples outside of the Americas.

There are also some different terms using Canada. Native peoples in Canada are called indigenous peoples.

This includes 3 different people groups, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

Although the word Indian is not as common, both the US and Canada still use in legal documents related to native people groups.

Tanitoluwa Adewumi: Chess Champion (2)

• Grand master
• Good fortune

Tani was diligent in studying chess, and his skill increased rapidly. He practiced every evening on his father's laptop and attended three-hour practices every Saturday.

In March of 2019, Tani won the New York State chess championship, completing the whole competition without losing a match. He dreams of becoming the youngest chess grand master.

A New York Times columnist wrote an article about Tani, and many readers wanted to help his family. Several people offered them housing, and lawyers offered to help with their immigration hearings for free.

A week later, over US$200,000 had been raised to help them. Within a week, Tani was running through his family's apartment exclaiming, "I have a home!"

But Tani's family doesn't plan to keep their good fortune to themselves. They are giving ten percent of the money raised to their church, which had helped them when they were struggling. The rest of the money will go to other African immigrants who need help. "God has already blessed me," Tani's father said. "I want to release my blessing to others."


Language Lab
laptop n. (=notebook)
- I checked my email inbox on my laptop, but your email hasn't come in yet.
- Samuel spends hours writing music on his laptop every day.
desktop n.
- Many still prefer desktops because they're easier on eyes and elbows.

columnist n.
a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column
- The columnist is well-respected for his objective political views.
column n.
an article in a newspaper or magazine that appears regularly and that is written by a particular writer or deals with a particular subject
- After the bill was passed, several major columnists addressed the issue in the next day's newspaper.
- Teresa writes a gourmet column for a local newspaper.
gourmet n.
/ˈguɚˌmeɪ/
a person who enjoys and knows a lot about good food and wine
- a gourmet meal [=a meal of very high quality; a meal that appeals to gourmets]

exclaim n.
/ɪkˈskleɪm/
to say (something) in an enthusiastic or forceful way
- "Stop it!" she exclaimed as the bully continued to push her toward the door.
- Daniel exclaimed in disbelief when he heard the girl's story.
exclamation n.
/ˌɛkskləˈmeɪʃən/
a sharp or sudden cry : a word, phrase, or sound that expresses a strong emotion
- The girl jumped up and down with an exclamation of surprise when she saw the new bike.

blessing n.
something that helps you or brings happiness
- My mom always says: "Count your blessings!" when I complain.
- It's a blessing that none of the passengers were injured in the accident.
bless v.
to make (something or someone) holy by saying a special prayer
- We're very blessed to have two lovely kids.


Info Cloud
Topic: check /checkmate

Welcome to info cloud. Chess is a game played around the world and has some common English expressions that is produced.

You’re right about that. Two terms that come to mind are the words, check and checkmate.

Check is said near the end of a chess match, it indicates that the opponent’s king is being attacked and if nothing is done, they’ll lose the game.

In casual conversation, someone might say “check,” to express that they have done something to bring them closer to success.

But we more often hear someone used the term, checkmate, a player says this at the very end of a match to say that their opponent has lost.

We can also use this word in casual conversation to indicate that we have achieved victory.

One other chess term used in daily life is the word, pawn.

The pawn is the least valuable piece in chess and it’s often sacrificed to protect more important pieces or advanced their player’s strategy.

And because of this, we often describe someone being used by another person or entity as a pawn.

Then it isn’t the real person making decisions, he’s just a pawn.

The game of a chess offers us a good way to sharpen our thinking skills as well as some phrases to make our English even more colorful.

Tanitoluwa Adewumi: Chess Champion (1)

• Refugees

This once-homeless 8-year-old worked his way to victory

Tanitoluwa Adewumi, who goes by Tani, isn't a typical 8-year-old. Last March, Tani won the New York State chess championship for kindergarten to third-grade players. Most young chess champions come from wealthy families and have private chess tutors. But Tani trained for the competition while his family lived in a homeless shelter. When he won, Tani had only been playing chess for about a year.

Tani's family moved to America from Nigeria in 2017. They were refugees, fleeing their country because they feared that terrorists would target them for being Christians. But life in America wasn't easy for them. They found themselves in New York City without a home.

Tani began attending a local public elementary school where a teacher taught him how to play chess. Tani enjoyed the game so much that he asked his mom if he could join the chess club. But his family could not afford the membership fee. So his mother wrote the school a letter that persuaded the head of the chess club to waive the fee.


Language Lab
champion n.
someone or something (such as a team or an animal) that has won a contest or competition especially in sports
- The beauty pageant champion will win a $100,000 prize.
- The movie Rocky tells the story of a boxer who fought hard to become a champion.
championship n.
an important competition that decides which player or team is the best in a particular sport, game, etc.
- The team didn't win the championship by pure luck, but by hard work and determination.
- The tennis player successfully retained her championship this year.

shelter n.
a structure that covers or protects people or things
- The school gym was turned into a temporary shelter after the earthquake.
- Diane lives in a shelter for abused women after she ran away from her husband.
- We took shelter in a cave from the rainstorm.
- The trees gave the passersby shelter from the sun.

refugee n.
someone who has been forced to leave a country because of war or for religious or political reasons
- The conditions in the refugee shelter are terrible. It is overly crowded and people are getting sick.
refuge
/ˈrɛˌfjuːʤ/
shelter or protection from danger or trouble
- We took refuge in a basement when the tornado hit.

waive v.
/ˈweɪv/
to officially say that you will not use or require something that you are allowed to have or that is usually required
- The school board decided to waive the tuition fee of these disadvantaged students.
- The maintenance fee of the checking account will be waived if you open a savings account.
waive
- The daughter waived all her rights to her parent's estate because she's very rich already.


Info Cloud
topic: uphill battle 非常堅難的戰役

Hello friends, welcome to info cloud. For many people who are experiencing financial difficulties, life can be an uphill battle,because they have to face a lot of difficult situations and challenges.

Just like the word uphill suggests an uphill battle implies that you have to exert more effort or work harder to get where you want to go.

And also the word battle just means a fight, which implies there are struggles, pains and hardships in the situation because it’s just like you are fighting the enemy while moving up the hill.

As you could imagine, an uphill battle is not a fun experience, it is indeed very serious and painful. The entrepreneur’s road to success could be an uphill battle.

Uphill battle can be used to describe any situation that is very serious, very challenging in the odds of success are stacked against the person in that situation.

For example, the defense team faces an uphill battle in court.From the sentence, we can tell that they will have to do a lot to prove their client’s innocence.