So much more than just tea!
珍珠奶茶 不僅僅是茶！
Bubble tea is a happy drink! So many people like it that National Bubble Tea Day is celebrated today. Most believe this fun tea drink was invented in Taichung in the 1980s. Since then, bubble tea has captured the imagination of the world. Although commonly called bubble tea, it is also known as "pearl tea" or "boba tea."
Traditionally, bubble tea is made with milk, tea and some tapioca balls. The sweet, chewy balls test like little treasures at the bottom of the cup. Today bubble tea has been reinvented to offer consumers more choices.
Many stores in Asia allow customers to choose their favorite tea. Additionally, they can adjust the amount of sugar and ice. If people want something a bit different, they can create other "bubble" drinks. The balls can be added to coffee drinks or smoothies. Customers don't have to stick with the traditional milk tea either. Pudding and jelly can also be added to the tapioca balls or used alone. So have some bubble tea today, and celebrate this delicious drink.
Info Cloud
burst your bubble
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Why are you so happy today, Manya?
The weather is finally getting warmer. I have a picnic lunch planned this weekend with my friends, and I'm so excited!
I hate to burst your bubble, but the weatherman said it's going to rain this weekend.
Rain? Oh, that's so disappointing. I was really looking forward to spending some time outside. But let's talk about the phrase you just used. Rex said he didn't want to burst my bubble.
I said that because I didn't want to make you feel upset or disappointed.
When you burst someone's bubble, it means that you tell them bad news.
Imagine a little girl blowing bubbles. When she blows a really big one, she's proud of it. But when it pops, how do you think she feels?
Terrible and sad, just like I was when you told me about the rain.
When people use this phrase, they usually say "I hate to burst your bubble, but..." because they don't want to tell you the bad news, just like I didn't want to tell you about the rain.
Don't worry, Rex. You didn't burst my bubble too badly. I'll just change my plans now that I know it's going to rain.
我們都不喜歡告訴別人壞消息，因為對方會難過，英文可以用burst your bubble來形容。bubble是泡泡，burst是打破，burst your bubble就是把泡泡打破，讓你很掃興。
I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s raining. 我有一個壞消息要告訴你，現在正在下雨。因為可能對方計劃要出門去玩，下雨就沒辦法了。通常 burst your bubble 會用來形容原本另人很興奮的一件事情，最後沒辦法進行，令人很失望。
Language Lab
chewy adj.
/ˈtʃuːwi/
requiring a lot of chewing
chew v.
to use your teeth to cut food into small pieces before you swallow it
- Marcus has a toothache and can't chew his food.
Marcus 牙齒在痛，所以無法咀嚼食物。
- If you toast a bagel, the inside becomes extra nice and chewy.
貝果烤了以後，裡面會特別有嚼勁。
- James didn't want to finish his steak because it was too chewy for him.
James 不想把牛排吃完，因為那個肉對他來說很難嚼。
reinvent v.
to make major changes or improvements to (something)
invent v.
to create or produce (something useful) for the first time
- Does anyone know who invent the mircowave?
有誰知道微波爐是誰發明的?
- Alison didn't enjoy the movie because the story was reinvented from a children's fairy tale.
Alison 不喜歡那部電影，因為劇情只是一個改造過後的童話故事。
- During the company meeting, the supervisors discussed how the company should reinvent its products.
主管們在會議中討論公司該如何改造產品。
adjust v.
to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better
- Before the photographer started taking pictures in the studio, he adjusted the light.
攝影師在攝影棚內拍照前，有先調整燈光。
to change the position of (something)
- Before Wanda welcomed her guests into her house, she adjusted the cushions on her sofa.
Wanda 請客人進來前，有把沙發上的抱枕弄整齊。
to change in order to work or do better in a new situation
- Anita has been in the company for three months already, but it's still hard for her to adjust.
Anita 在公司裡已經有三個月了，但是她還是不適應。
jelly n.
a fruit-flavored dessert made with gelatin 果凍(包含仙草和愛玉)
- Renee likes fruit jelly, but she doesn't care for herbal jelly.
Renee 喜歡水果果凍，但不喜歡仙草。
a sweet and soft food made by boiling sugar and fruit juice until it is thick 果醬
- Holly always puts jelly on her toast.
Holly 會在麵包片上塗果醬。
turn to jelly 因為過度緊張或害怕而造成無力
to suddenly feel weak because you are frightened, nervous, or ill:
- Lisa turned to jelly when she saw how big that rat was.
Lisa 一看到大老鼠就被嚇到腿軟。
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Working With a Digital Colleague (2)
Getting your team comfortable with digital workers
Geary and Kurkal both say that opposition to change is your biggest hurdle when it comes to transitioning your team to be comfortable with digital colleagues. People tend to resist shifts of any kind simply because they don't want to leave their comfort zones. But you have reimagine big-picture goals.
"Once those are determinded," says Geary, "a company should create a road map that defines the type of work humans should do versus their digital counterparts. As companies begin to introduce automation, they can add in the human touch where more empathy is needed."
You also need to address your culture. It's imperative that you embrace the new and get everyone involved, treating automation as a journey rather than a destination.
Your digital colleague might not look human or even like a robot. But it's going to have a seat next to you, and soon. And, as a leader, your ability to stay competitive while also keeping your team happy depends on being able to see new ways of creating, producing and allocating tasks.
The sooner you consider how to transition to digital colleagues, the sooner you'll likely be in a position of respect, stability and significant market share.
Info Cloud
Let’s get this show on the road.
Hi, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. I'm so excited about today's lesson, so let's get this show on the road.
Wow! You look excited. What are we sharing with our students today?
Let's get this show on the road. Well, yeah. What are we talking about? Let's get this show on the road. I want to talk about what it means when someone says: Let's get this show on the road.
Oh, I see. You tricked me. Well, then let's get this show on the road. Tell us what it means.
When someone says: Let's get this show on the road, it just means to begin or start doing something.
For example, maybe you are preparing for a meeting at 10:00, and it's time to begin the meeting, you can say to everyone: Let's get this show on the road.
This expression most likely is used by performers touring different places. We use "on the road" to describe performers traveling to different locations to perform.
"Let's get this show on the road" is a fun and casual way to say you want to officially begin an event or journey.
今天跟大家分享的這句流行的用語是 Let’s get this show on the road. 這句話原本是用來形容某個藝人或是某個節目開始巡迴演出。on the road有旅行的涵義，Let’s get this show on the road. 字面上的意思就是「讓這齣戲開始巡迴演出吧」，用在日常生活中，就可以用來表達讓一件事情正式開始吧。像是如果預定十點鐘開會，大家都到齊了，主席可以說: Let’s get this show on the road. 我們正式開始吧，這是比較輕鬆幽默的方式，來宣布要開始做一件事情。
Language Lab
hurdle n. 跨欄比賽中的欄架
/ˈhɚdl̟/
one of a series of barriers to be jumped over in a race
- Alice jumped beautifully over the hurdle.
Alice 很漂亮地跳過欄架。
the hurdles : a race in which runners must jump over hurdles 跨欄比賽
- Wanda is interested in the 100-meter hurdles.
Wanda 對一百米跨欄有興趣。
something that makes an achievement difficult 障礙、必須面對的困難
- Diana wants to start her own business, but she knows there will be a lot of hurdles.
Diana 想自己創業，但他知道一定會有很多困難要面對。
hurdle v. 跨過東西
to jump over (something) while running
- Trent hurdled the fence and chased after the bus.
Trent 跨過圍欄去追公車。
transition v. 過渡、轉變
to make a change from one state, place, or condition to another : to make a transition
- Sabrina is transitioning to a new life in a new city.
Sabrina 正轉換到新城市，過新生活。
transition n. 轉變、轉變的過程
a change from one state or condition to another
- Ever since Carol quit her job and stayed home to be with her kids, she has found the transition to be difficult.
自從Carol辭掉工作留在家裡照顧孩子，她一直覺得整個轉變過程相當困難。
transitional adj. 過渡的
- The residents in that neighborhood are switching to solar energy and are given a six-month transitional period.
在這個社區的居民有六個月的過渡時期來適應換用太陽能。
imperative adj. 非常重要的、迫切的
/ɪmˈperətɪv/
very important
- It is imperative for the manager to get this file before three o’clock this afternoon.
經理非得在今天下午三點前拿到這份檔案。
- It is imperative that these boxes get sent out before noon.
這些盒子一定要在中午前送出去。
imperative n. 非常迫切或重要的東西或事
a command, rule, duty, etc., that is very important or necessary
- The government claims the invasion was a military imperative.
政府聲稱軍方的入侵是迫切的軍事行為。
stability n. 穩定性
/stəˈbɪləti/
stable adj. 穩定的
in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change
- This table is old, but it is still very stable.
這張桌子雖然很老舊，但是它還是站得很穩。
stability n.
/stəˈbɪləti/
the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy
- Laurie broke up with her boyfriend because she wants to find someone with greater emotional stability.
Laurie 跟男朋友分手，因為她想要找情緒比較穩定的男生。
stabilization n.穩定化
/ˌsteɪbələˈzeɪʃən/
- People began to notice the growing economic stabilization after the country allowed more international trade.
自從國家開始允許更多的國際貿易，人民可以感受到不斷增加的經濟穩定。
Geary and Kurkal both say that opposition to change is your biggest hurdle when it comes to transitioning your team to be comfortable with digital colleagues. People tend to resist shifts of any kind simply because they don't want to leave their comfort zones. But you have reimagine big-picture goals.
"Once those are determinded," says Geary, "a company should create a road map that defines the type of work humans should do versus their digital counterparts. As companies begin to introduce automation, they can add in the human touch where more empathy is needed."
You also need to address your culture. It's imperative that you embrace the new and get everyone involved, treating automation as a journey rather than a destination.
Your digital colleague might not look human or even like a robot. But it's going to have a seat next to you, and soon. And, as a leader, your ability to stay competitive while also keeping your team happy depends on being able to see new ways of creating, producing and allocating tasks.
The sooner you consider how to transition to digital colleagues, the sooner you'll likely be in a position of respect, stability and significant market share.
Info Cloud
Let’s get this show on the road.
Hi, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. I'm so excited about today's lesson, so let's get this show on the road.
Wow! You look excited. What are we sharing with our students today?
Let's get this show on the road. Well, yeah. What are we talking about? Let's get this show on the road. I want to talk about what it means when someone says: Let's get this show on the road.
Oh, I see. You tricked me. Well, then let's get this show on the road. Tell us what it means.
When someone says: Let's get this show on the road, it just means to begin or start doing something.
For example, maybe you are preparing for a meeting at 10:00, and it's time to begin the meeting, you can say to everyone: Let's get this show on the road.
This expression most likely is used by performers touring different places. We use "on the road" to describe performers traveling to different locations to perform.
"Let's get this show on the road" is a fun and casual way to say you want to officially begin an event or journey.
今天跟大家分享的這句流行的用語是 Let’s get this show on the road. 這句話原本是用來形容某個藝人或是某個節目開始巡迴演出。on the road有旅行的涵義，Let’s get this show on the road. 字面上的意思就是「讓這齣戲開始巡迴演出吧」，用在日常生活中，就可以用來表達讓一件事情正式開始吧。像是如果預定十點鐘開會，大家都到齊了，主席可以說: Let’s get this show on the road. 我們正式開始吧，這是比較輕鬆幽默的方式，來宣布要開始做一件事情。
Language Lab
hurdle n. 跨欄比賽中的欄架
/ˈhɚdl̟/
one of a series of barriers to be jumped over in a race
- Alice jumped beautifully over the hurdle.
Alice 很漂亮地跳過欄架。
the hurdles : a race in which runners must jump over hurdles 跨欄比賽
- Wanda is interested in the 100-meter hurdles.
Wanda 對一百米跨欄有興趣。
something that makes an achievement difficult 障礙、必須面對的困難
- Diana wants to start her own business, but she knows there will be a lot of hurdles.
Diana 想自己創業，但他知道一定會有很多困難要面對。
hurdle v. 跨過東西
to jump over (something) while running
- Trent hurdled the fence and chased after the bus.
Trent 跨過圍欄去追公車。
transition v. 過渡、轉變
to make a change from one state, place, or condition to another : to make a transition
- Sabrina is transitioning to a new life in a new city.
Sabrina 正轉換到新城市，過新生活。
transition n. 轉變、轉變的過程
a change from one state or condition to another
- Ever since Carol quit her job and stayed home to be with her kids, she has found the transition to be difficult.
自從Carol辭掉工作留在家裡照顧孩子，她一直覺得整個轉變過程相當困難。
transitional adj. 過渡的
- The residents in that neighborhood are switching to solar energy and are given a six-month transitional period.
在這個社區的居民有六個月的過渡時期來適應換用太陽能。
imperative adj. 非常重要的、迫切的
/ɪmˈperətɪv/
very important
- It is imperative for the manager to get this file before three o’clock this afternoon.
經理非得在今天下午三點前拿到這份檔案。
- It is imperative that these boxes get sent out before noon.
這些盒子一定要在中午前送出去。
imperative n. 非常迫切或重要的東西或事
a command, rule, duty, etc., that is very important or necessary
- The government claims the invasion was a military imperative.
政府聲稱軍方的入侵是迫切的軍事行為。
stability n. 穩定性
/stəˈbɪləti/
stable adj. 穩定的
in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change
- This table is old, but it is still very stable.
這張桌子雖然很老舊，但是它還是站得很穩。
stability n.
/stəˈbɪləti/
the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy
- Laurie broke up with her boyfriend because she wants to find someone with greater emotional stability.
Laurie 跟男朋友分手，因為她想要找情緒比較穩定的男生。
stabilization n.穩定化
/ˌsteɪbələˈzeɪʃən/
- People began to notice the growing economic stabilization after the country allowed more international trade.
自從國家開始允許更多的國際貿易，人民可以感受到不斷增加的經濟穩定。
Friday, April 24, 2020
Working With a Digital Colleague (1)
Here’s what to expect
同事不是人！？ 面對智慧未來，你準備好了嗎？
If you woke up tomorrow and had a digital colleague next to you, would you freak out?
There's no set rule for what a digital colleague has to look like - they could look as simple as Amazon's Echo Dot or as complex as a humanoid robot. But the scenario of having one nearby is already on its way according to Pat Geary and Vijay Kurkal.
No, a digital colleague isn't the same thing as traditional AI
There's a distinction between general artificial intelligence and a digital colleague, as Geary explains. Whereas both digital assistants and AI give greater speed and accuracy, traditional use of AI is more task specific.
It doesn't focus on building an intelligent, automated workforce form the ground up or automating processes.
A digital colleague allows you to not do easier work, but to do more interesting, innovative and emotionally satisfying work.
Your job isn't going anyway
This is exactly why you should be confident about not losing your job. "Workers who possess deep knowledge about their environments and can combine it with creative thinking will be invaluable to their employers," says Kurkal.
A survey showed that 63 percent of senior executives indicated that a talent shortage was a key concern for their organizations, particularly for IT teams.
Language Lab
freak out ph v. 驚慌、很怕
to become very upset
- Melissa freaked out when she realized her wallet was missing.
發瘋
- The man was quietly sitting on the bench, but then he suddenly freaked out and started yelling and screaming.
嚇壞某人、使某人緊張害怕
- If you wear that outfit to work, you will freak out your coworkers.
- Tom played a joke on me and freaked me out.
scenario n. 設想的場景
/səˈnerijoʊ/
a description of what could possibly happen
- The teacher presented a scenario to the class, and then asked the students to share their opinions.
best-case scenario 最佳情況
- The best-case scenario would be for us to catch the last plane tonight and get back home tomorrow morning.
worst-case scenario
- The counselor tried to help the family prepare for the worst-case scenario.
innovative adj. 創新的
/ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/
introducing or using new ideas or methods
- That designer was famous for his innovative ideas. 那名設計師很有名，因為他有很多創新的構想。
innovate v. 創新
- Because the customers’ demands continue to change, the company was forced to innovate. 這家公司非得持續創新不可，因為客戶的需求一直在變。
innovation n. 新的方法
The new manager brought a lot of innovation to the company. 新的經理為公司帶來很多的創新。
invaluable adj. 無價的
extremely valuable or useful
valuable adj.有價值的
worth a lot of money
- This necklace is very valuable. 這條項鍊非常貴重。
-The artwork may look ugly, but it is actually an invaluable treasure. 那件藝術品也許看起來很醜，但它其實是無價之寶。
- Although Gerald’s first year in the company was very difficult, the experience he gained was invaluable. Gerald在公司的第一年十分辛苦，但是他得到的經驗是無價的。
Info Cloud
I have a lot on my plate.
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Work, school, projects, family, relationships ... life can get pretty busy sometimes.
Today we want to teach you a phrase you can use when you feel busy or like you have too much to do: I have a lot on my plate.
Think of a dinner plate. For this idiom, it represents your life. Food on the plate is like the responsibilities, tasks or things that take up your time.
The word "lot" here means to have many or even too much. So if someone has a lot on their plate, it means that they have quite a bit to do or too many tasks.
Having a lot on your plate can also mean that someone feels overwhelmed with life or even just busy in general. Between working overtime and having four kids at home, Jack really has a lot on his plate.
I personally had a lot on my plate last week with all of the work deadlines I had to meet. How about you, Manya? Do you ever feel this way?
Definitely. I think everyone does sometimes. How about you? Do you have a lot on your plate?
當你手上有很多工作要做，或是肩膀上擔負許多責任，你可以用今天分享的用語來表達，那就是: I have a lot on my plate.
plate是吃飯時用的盤子，I have a lot on my plate. 字面上就是我的盤子上有很多東西，用來表達自己現在有很多事情要處理，有很多角色要扮演，或是有很多責任要履行。當你覺得自己被所有的事情壓得喘不過氣了，或者是單純的很忙碌，你可以用 I have a lot on my plate. 來形容你的情況。
同事不是人！？ 面對智慧未來，你準備好了嗎？
If you woke up tomorrow and had a digital colleague next to you, would you freak out?
There's no set rule for what a digital colleague has to look like - they could look as simple as Amazon's Echo Dot or as complex as a humanoid robot. But the scenario of having one nearby is already on its way according to Pat Geary and Vijay Kurkal.
No, a digital colleague isn't the same thing as traditional AI
There's a distinction between general artificial intelligence and a digital colleague, as Geary explains. Whereas both digital assistants and AI give greater speed and accuracy, traditional use of AI is more task specific.
It doesn't focus on building an intelligent, automated workforce form the ground up or automating processes.
A digital colleague allows you to not do easier work, but to do more interesting, innovative and emotionally satisfying work.
Your job isn't going anyway
This is exactly why you should be confident about not losing your job. "Workers who possess deep knowledge about their environments and can combine it with creative thinking will be invaluable to their employers," says Kurkal.
A survey showed that 63 percent of senior executives indicated that a talent shortage was a key concern for their organizations, particularly for IT teams.
Language Lab
freak out ph v. 驚慌、很怕
to become very upset
- Melissa freaked out when she realized her wallet was missing.
發瘋
- The man was quietly sitting on the bench, but then he suddenly freaked out and started yelling and screaming.
嚇壞某人、使某人緊張害怕
- If you wear that outfit to work, you will freak out your coworkers.
- Tom played a joke on me and freaked me out.
scenario n. 設想的場景
/səˈnerijoʊ/
a description of what could possibly happen
- The teacher presented a scenario to the class, and then asked the students to share their opinions.
best-case scenario 最佳情況
- The best-case scenario would be for us to catch the last plane tonight and get back home tomorrow morning.
worst-case scenario
- The counselor tried to help the family prepare for the worst-case scenario.
innovative adj. 創新的
/ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/
introducing or using new ideas or methods
- That designer was famous for his innovative ideas. 那名設計師很有名，因為他有很多創新的構想。
innovate v. 創新
- Because the customers’ demands continue to change, the company was forced to innovate. 這家公司非得持續創新不可，因為客戶的需求一直在變。
innovation n. 新的方法
The new manager brought a lot of innovation to the company. 新的經理為公司帶來很多的創新。
invaluable adj. 無價的
extremely valuable or useful
valuable adj.有價值的
worth a lot of money
- This necklace is very valuable. 這條項鍊非常貴重。
-The artwork may look ugly, but it is actually an invaluable treasure. 那件藝術品也許看起來很醜，但它其實是無價之寶。
- Although Gerald’s first year in the company was very difficult, the experience he gained was invaluable. Gerald在公司的第一年十分辛苦，但是他得到的經驗是無價的。
Info Cloud
I have a lot on my plate.
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Work, school, projects, family, relationships ... life can get pretty busy sometimes.
Today we want to teach you a phrase you can use when you feel busy or like you have too much to do: I have a lot on my plate.
Think of a dinner plate. For this idiom, it represents your life. Food on the plate is like the responsibilities, tasks or things that take up your time.
The word "lot" here means to have many or even too much. So if someone has a lot on their plate, it means that they have quite a bit to do or too many tasks.
Having a lot on your plate can also mean that someone feels overwhelmed with life or even just busy in general. Between working overtime and having four kids at home, Jack really has a lot on his plate.
I personally had a lot on my plate last week with all of the work deadlines I had to meet. How about you, Manya? Do you ever feel this way?
Definitely. I think everyone does sometimes. How about you? Do you have a lot on your plate?
當你手上有很多工作要做，或是肩膀上擔負許多責任，你可以用今天分享的用語來表達，那就是: I have a lot on my plate.
plate是吃飯時用的盤子，I have a lot on my plate. 字面上就是我的盤子上有很多東西，用來表達自己現在有很多事情要處理，有很多角色要扮演，或是有很多責任要履行。當你覺得自己被所有的事情壓得喘不過氣了，或者是單純的很忙碌，你可以用 I have a lot on my plate. 來形容你的情況。
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Lovely Lisbon (2)
Visit the ornate Jeronimos Monastery in the Belem area of western Lisbon. This UNESCO heritage site was founded in celebration of successful Portuguese voyages around the world. Admire the nearby Belem Tower built between 1514 and 1520. It was built to help protect the coasts of Portugal and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon.
Outside the city center sits the Palace of Queluz. This 18th century palace is often called the Bersailles of Portugal. Originally the palace was built as a summer retreat. The ornate palace's rooms are filled with art and furniture. One wing of the palace is now a guesthouse for foreign heads of state visiting Portugal. Near Lisbon lies the charming town of Sintra. The hilly ares's cool climate made it a summer retreat for Portuguese nobles. Many built summer homes here. Visit Pena Palace perched on a hilltop above Sintra. It's a great example of 19th century Romantic architecture. Within the walls, wander through gardens dotted with fountains, bridges and pavilions.
You'll discover that is doesn't take long to fall in love with Lisbon.
Info Cloud
get away from it all
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. We all need a break sometimes. What do you do to get away from it all, Rex?
I've been thinking a lot about this question recently. I've been busy, and I need some rest. But I'm not sure how to do that. Do you have any suggestions?
Hmm. Well, the "it all" in this phrase is referring to our day-to-day life, things that make us feel busy or stressed. Some people get away from it all by taking a trip. Others do something as simple as listening to music or having a cup of tea.
Oh, I see. One of my friends have been busy with taking care of her aunt in the hospital. She's going to take the afternoon off and go to the spa to get away from it all.
This past summer my friends and I took a trip to Korea to get away from it all. It was nice to relax and just spend time together.
That sounds like a great way to take a break. But I'm not planning on spending money on a trip like that anytime soon.
Well, why don't you try taking a walk after dinner? Just taking a little time for yourself can be a great way to get away from it all.
很多人喜歡出國旅遊，為了就是從緊張的日常生活中跳脫出來。你可以用 get away from it all來表達你想要做一些事情散散心。I went to Korea to get away from it all. 我去了一趟韓國去散散心。但是，get away from it all 並不只侷限在旅遊，有的時候聽聽音樂或是喝杯咖啡，也可以達到同樣的目的。She went to the spa to get away from it all. 她去了一趟休閒養生館去放鬆一下。不曉得平常時，你都會用什麼方式去 get away from it all?
Language Lab
ornate adj.
/oɚˈneɪt/
covered with decorations : covered with fancy patterns and shapes
- The large banquet hall becomes very ornate during the Christmas season.
- She doesn't like ornate jewelry.
- Monica is getting married next year, and she wants her wedding dress to be very ornate.
elaborately or excessively decorated
- The lamp seemed too ornate for Gloria's simple little apartment.
voyage n.
/ˈvojɪʤ/
a long journey to a distant or unknown place especially over water or through outer space
- He wrote about his many voyages into the South Seas.
- Not everyone survived the difficult voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
飛行或航海旅遊
- This is Billy's first voyage to Asia, so he is feeling excited and nervous at the same time.
voyage v. 旅遊
to take a long journey usually by ship or boat
- He spent his youth voyaging around the globe.
- The two boys dream about voyaging into outer space.
monastery n.
/ˈmɑːnəˌsteri/
a place where monks live and work together
- a Catholic/Buddhist monastery
retreat n.
a place that is quiet and private
- Mr. Jones bought a small house in the mountains and used it as a retreat.
movement by soldiers away from an enemy because the enemy is winning or has won a battle
- The entire army was destroyed because the general refused to retreat.
movement away from a place or situation especially because it is dangerous, unpleasant, etc.
- When the manager showed up, everyone retreated to their desks and pretended they were busy.
perch v.
/ˈpɚtʃ/
to sit on or be on something high or on something from which it is easy to fall — usually + on
坐在或停留在某個高處或東西的邊緣 (常指鳥或動物坐在高處)
- A monkey perched on a tree branch.
(人坐在一個東西或地方的邊緣)
- My classmates like to perch on the old city wall and watch the sunset.
: to put (someone or something) on something high or on something from which it is easy to fall 使某個東西位於某個高處(如: 一棟建築物)
- The lonely castle is perched on the edge of a cliff. 孤伶的城堡座落在懸崖的邊緣。
- The explorers found a small village perched on top of a hill. 探險家發現一個位於山丘上的小村落。
pavilion n. 涼亭
/pəˈvɪljən/
a building in a park or garden that usually has open sides and is used for parties, concerts, or other events
Outside the city center sits the Palace of Queluz. This 18th century palace is often called the Bersailles of Portugal. Originally the palace was built as a summer retreat. The ornate palace's rooms are filled with art and furniture. One wing of the palace is now a guesthouse for foreign heads of state visiting Portugal. Near Lisbon lies the charming town of Sintra. The hilly ares's cool climate made it a summer retreat for Portuguese nobles. Many built summer homes here. Visit Pena Palace perched on a hilltop above Sintra. It's a great example of 19th century Romantic architecture. Within the walls, wander through gardens dotted with fountains, bridges and pavilions.
You'll discover that is doesn't take long to fall in love with Lisbon.
Info Cloud
get away from it all
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. We all need a break sometimes. What do you do to get away from it all, Rex?
I've been thinking a lot about this question recently. I've been busy, and I need some rest. But I'm not sure how to do that. Do you have any suggestions?
Hmm. Well, the "it all" in this phrase is referring to our day-to-day life, things that make us feel busy or stressed. Some people get away from it all by taking a trip. Others do something as simple as listening to music or having a cup of tea.
Oh, I see. One of my friends have been busy with taking care of her aunt in the hospital. She's going to take the afternoon off and go to the spa to get away from it all.
This past summer my friends and I took a trip to Korea to get away from it all. It was nice to relax and just spend time together.
That sounds like a great way to take a break. But I'm not planning on spending money on a trip like that anytime soon.
Well, why don't you try taking a walk after dinner? Just taking a little time for yourself can be a great way to get away from it all.
很多人喜歡出國旅遊，為了就是從緊張的日常生活中跳脫出來。你可以用 get away from it all來表達你想要做一些事情散散心。I went to Korea to get away from it all. 我去了一趟韓國去散散心。但是，get away from it all 並不只侷限在旅遊，有的時候聽聽音樂或是喝杯咖啡，也可以達到同樣的目的。She went to the spa to get away from it all. 她去了一趟休閒養生館去放鬆一下。不曉得平常時，你都會用什麼方式去 get away from it all?
Language Lab
ornate adj.
/oɚˈneɪt/
covered with decorations : covered with fancy patterns and shapes
- The large banquet hall becomes very ornate during the Christmas season.
- She doesn't like ornate jewelry.
- Monica is getting married next year, and she wants her wedding dress to be very ornate.
elaborately or excessively decorated
- The lamp seemed too ornate for Gloria's simple little apartment.
voyage n.
/ˈvojɪʤ/
a long journey to a distant or unknown place especially over water or through outer space
- He wrote about his many voyages into the South Seas.
- Not everyone survived the difficult voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
飛行或航海旅遊
- This is Billy's first voyage to Asia, so he is feeling excited and nervous at the same time.
voyage v. 旅遊
to take a long journey usually by ship or boat
- He spent his youth voyaging around the globe.
- The two boys dream about voyaging into outer space.
monastery n.
/ˈmɑːnəˌsteri/
a place where monks live and work together
- a Catholic/Buddhist monastery
retreat n.
a place that is quiet and private
- Mr. Jones bought a small house in the mountains and used it as a retreat.
movement by soldiers away from an enemy because the enemy is winning or has won a battle
- The entire army was destroyed because the general refused to retreat.
movement away from a place or situation especially because it is dangerous, unpleasant, etc.
- When the manager showed up, everyone retreated to their desks and pretended they were busy.
perch v.
/ˈpɚtʃ/
to sit on or be on something high or on something from which it is easy to fall — usually + on
坐在或停留在某個高處或東西的邊緣 (常指鳥或動物坐在高處)
- A monkey perched on a tree branch.
(人坐在一個東西或地方的邊緣)
- My classmates like to perch on the old city wall and watch the sunset.
: to put (someone or something) on something high or on something from which it is easy to fall 使某個東西位於某個高處(如: 一棟建築物)
- The lonely castle is perched on the edge of a cliff. 孤伶的城堡座落在懸崖的邊緣。
- The explorers found a small village perched on top of a hill. 探險家發現一個位於山丘上的小村落。
pavilion n. 涼亭
/pəˈvɪljən/
a building in a park or garden that usually has open sides and is used for parties, concerts, or other events
Monday, April 20, 2020
Lovely Lisbon (1)
One of Europe’s oldest cities pours on the charm
愛上里斯本歐洲最古老的城市之一
When the sun shines, the buildings of Lisbon sparkle. The elegant city drapes itself over seven hills. Beauty is everywhere you look. The best way to experience this capital city is to walk so that you can take in the atmosphere. Stop at a bakery selling famous Portuguese custard tarts. Sit outside a small restaurant, and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood.
Buildings from the time of the Moors stand next to other historic buildings decorated with colorful tiles. As you walk, take note of these unofficial symbols of the city. The decorative tiles also have a practical purpose. They protect the buildings from the humidity and keep them cool in warm weather. They are said to reduce street noise as well.
Wander around the cobblestone streets of Alfama, the oldest part of the city. The narrow, winding streets in this hilly area are home to delightful cafés and quaint little houses. Climb up to Castelo de São Jorge, Saint George’s Castle, for a marvelous view of the city spread out below.
Info Cloud
Topic: build castles in the sky
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. We all have dreams in our lives that we want to fulfill. Rex, do you have any dreams that you have fulfilled? And do you have any advice for young people who have dreams?
I have become a professional singer like I planned. I would advise young people to be patient and learn the skills necessary for success. You don't want to build castles in the sky.
That is such valuable advice. You might want to explain what it means to build castles in the sky.
Well, we all know that castles need to be built on solid ground, or else they will collapse easily. When we build castles in the sky, we are planning or doing something that's unrealistic or impossible.
One example would be people who want to get rich quickly, so they're trying different tricks or shortcuts to make money. But we all know that building wealth is not that easy.
Exactly. Another example would be trying to learn the piano in the quickest way possible to become a concert pianist. But it takes at least 10 years of practice to become proficient at playing the piano.
So in whatever we do, we need to make sure we are building a solid foundation. You don't want to build castles in the sky.
很多人都在追求自己的夢想，只是夢想有分很多種，在追求夢想的過程中，我們要確定自己不是在 build castles in the sky，字面上是「在空中建築一座城堡」，聽起來好像是動畫電影中會出現的情節，非常夢幻。
build castles in the sky的真正涵義就是追求不切實際或是不可能實現的夢想。舉例來說，如果有人一直在尋找致富的捷徑，不肯腳踏實地，你就可以說: He is building castles in the sky. 可能很多年輕人也會聽到一些長者給他們的一些建議，那就是 Don’t try to build castles in the sky. 不要試著追求不切實際的夢想。
Language Lab
elegant adj.
showing good taste : graceful and attractive
- The actress looked very elegant when she stood on the stage.
- These elegant dresses are all from the same designer.
simple and clever
- Margaret wanted an elegant look for her room, but the designer came up with a very fancy design.
elegance n.
/ˈɛlɪgəns/
- Everyone admired the lady's elegance.
tart n.
an open pie that usually has a sweet filling (such as fruit or custard)
- Portuguese custard tart
- Trisha wants to make a strawberry tart.
- I want to try the restaurant's cheese and onion tart.
tart adj.
having a sharp or sour taste
- This slice of lemon cake is nice and tart.
having a sharp and unkind quality
- Gail's tart response made everyone in the house very quiet.
drape v.
/ˈdreɪp/
to loosely place or hang (something)
humidity n.
moisture in the air
- The tourists aren't used to the island's humidity.
- The weather is very nice today, and the humidity isn't very high.
humid adj.
having a lot of moisture in the air
- Linda doesn't want to go outside because it is a very humid day.
- These plants need to be in a humid environment, so it's best to keep them in a greenhouse.
quaint adj.
/ˈkweɪnt/
having an old-fashioned or unusual quality or appearance that is usually attractive or appealing
- The houses in the old district are all very quaint.
attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
- The old man wore a bow tie and a nice jacket, and everyone thought he looked very quaint.
- George likes to share his quaint ideas with people.
愛上里斯本歐洲最古老的城市之一
When the sun shines, the buildings of Lisbon sparkle. The elegant city drapes itself over seven hills. Beauty is everywhere you look. The best way to experience this capital city is to walk so that you can take in the atmosphere. Stop at a bakery selling famous Portuguese custard tarts. Sit outside a small restaurant, and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood.
Buildings from the time of the Moors stand next to other historic buildings decorated with colorful tiles. As you walk, take note of these unofficial symbols of the city. The decorative tiles also have a practical purpose. They protect the buildings from the humidity and keep them cool in warm weather. They are said to reduce street noise as well.
Wander around the cobblestone streets of Alfama, the oldest part of the city. The narrow, winding streets in this hilly area are home to delightful cafés and quaint little houses. Climb up to Castelo de São Jorge, Saint George’s Castle, for a marvelous view of the city spread out below.
Info Cloud
Topic: build castles in the sky
Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. We all have dreams in our lives that we want to fulfill. Rex, do you have any dreams that you have fulfilled? And do you have any advice for young people who have dreams?
I have become a professional singer like I planned. I would advise young people to be patient and learn the skills necessary for success. You don't want to build castles in the sky.
That is such valuable advice. You might want to explain what it means to build castles in the sky.
Well, we all know that castles need to be built on solid ground, or else they will collapse easily. When we build castles in the sky, we are planning or doing something that's unrealistic or impossible.
One example would be people who want to get rich quickly, so they're trying different tricks or shortcuts to make money. But we all know that building wealth is not that easy.
Exactly. Another example would be trying to learn the piano in the quickest way possible to become a concert pianist. But it takes at least 10 years of practice to become proficient at playing the piano.
So in whatever we do, we need to make sure we are building a solid foundation. You don't want to build castles in the sky.
很多人都在追求自己的夢想，只是夢想有分很多種，在追求夢想的過程中，我們要確定自己不是在 build castles in the sky，字面上是「在空中建築一座城堡」，聽起來好像是動畫電影中會出現的情節，非常夢幻。
build castles in the sky的真正涵義就是追求不切實際或是不可能實現的夢想。舉例來說，如果有人一直在尋找致富的捷徑，不肯腳踏實地，你就可以說: He is building castles in the sky. 可能很多年輕人也會聽到一些長者給他們的一些建議，那就是 Don’t try to build castles in the sky. 不要試著追求不切實際的夢想。
Language Lab
elegant adj.
showing good taste : graceful and attractive
- The actress looked very elegant when she stood on the stage.
- These elegant dresses are all from the same designer.
simple and clever
- Margaret wanted an elegant look for her room, but the designer came up with a very fancy design.
elegance n.
/ˈɛlɪgəns/
- Everyone admired the lady's elegance.
tart n.
an open pie that usually has a sweet filling (such as fruit or custard)
- Portuguese custard tart
- Trisha wants to make a strawberry tart.
- I want to try the restaurant's cheese and onion tart.
tart adj.
having a sharp or sour taste
- This slice of lemon cake is nice and tart.
having a sharp and unkind quality
- Gail's tart response made everyone in the house very quiet.
drape v.
/ˈdreɪp/
to loosely place or hang (something)
humidity n.
moisture in the air
- The tourists aren't used to the island's humidity.
- The weather is very nice today, and the humidity isn't very high.
humid adj.
having a lot of moisture in the air
- Linda doesn't want to go outside because it is a very humid day.
- These plants need to be in a humid environment, so it's best to keep them in a greenhouse.
quaint adj.
/ˈkweɪnt/
having an old-fashioned or unusual quality or appearance that is usually attractive or appealing
- The houses in the old district are all very quaint.
attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
- The old man wore a bow tie and a nice jacket, and everyone thought he looked very quaint.
- George likes to share his quaint ideas with people.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Prevent the Stomach Flu! (2)
Dishwashers are better at killing viruses than washing dishes by hand. That's because they keep dishes hotter for longer. Many viruses can live in your washing machine. So do laundry with hot water and use bleach, if possible. You may even want to run the washing machine with no clothes, just hot water and bleach. This will kill any germs in it.
If you do get the stomach flu, drink as much water as possible. Other clear liquids are good, too. You probably won't want to eat much. But when you do feel ready to eat, try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast.
Once you're feeling better, don't return to work or school right away. You can still spread the disease for a few days after you feel better. If you had a fever, wait at least 24 hours after it ends before going out. This will help protect other people from getting sick.
Stomach flu is awful, but by following these tips, you can help stop it from spreading.
Info Cloud
Just what the doctor ordered.
Welcome to Info Cloud, everyone. Please excuse me if I seem a little tired today. I had a full teaching schedule all week.
I know Manya had a tough week, so I stopped off and got her favorite coffee before the show today. Here you go, Manya.
Thank you so much, Rex. That was very kind of you. Mmm, that is just what the doctor ordered.
You are very welcome. And thanks for using that great expression. "Just what the doctor ordered" means exactly what someone wants or needs.
Often we use it with something refreshing or relaxing. A massage after a stressful week or a much-needed holiday could be just what the doctor ordered.
We also use it to mean a great solution. Painting this room bright green is just what the doctor ordered. Now it doesn't feel so dark in here.
It is a fun way to refer to a cure or a solution for something. A doctor's orders are instructions to deal with a problem or illness.
So earlier Manya was saying that her favorite coffee was a perfect way to deal with being tired, just as if a doctor ordered a cure.
And if you are ever feeling frustrated with learning English , we hope Info Cloud can be just what the doctor ordered.
今天要介紹的這個用語相當特別，just what the doctor ordered 字面上的意思是「這就是醫生開的處方」，用來形容一個東西正好是每個人所需要或是想要的。Thanks for the coffee! It’s just what the doctor ordered. 謝謝你的咖啡，那正是我需要的。just what the doctor ordered 也可以用來形容一個問題最後的解決方法。Painting this room white is just what the doctor ordered. 將整個房間漆成白色的是最好的解決方法，因為可能房間光線不好，有點陰暗的感覺。
Language Lab
dishwasher n.洗碗機
a machine that is used to wash dishes
- When Stanley finished his meal, he put his fork and plate into the dishwasher.
Stanley 吃完飯後，就把叉子跟盤子放進洗碗機裡。
a person whose job is to wash dishes in a restaurant 洗碗工
- The restaurant owner wants to hire another dishwasher.
washing machine n. clothes washer = laundry machine
- Emily threw her dirty socks into the clothes washer.
Emily 把她的髒襪子丟進洗衣機裡。
laundry n. 準備要洗、正在洗或是已經洗完的衣物
/ˈlɑːndri/
clothes, towels, sheets, etc., that need to be washed or that have been washed
- Stella is so busy and doesn’t have time to do her laundry.
Stella 忙到沒有時間洗衣服。
- Tanya was doing laundry and couldn’t answer the phone.
Tanya 正在洗衣服而無法接電話。
- Becky was able to do her laundry but she doesn’t have time to fold them.
Becky 的衣服都洗好了，但是她沒有時間把衣服摺好。
a business or place where clothes, towels, sheets, etc., are washed and dried 洗衣店
- Ronda couldn’t wash her coat, so she decided to drop it off at a laundry near her house.
Ronda 無法洗她的大衣，所以她決定把大衣送到家附近的洗衣店去洗。
right away ph 馬上 (比較口語化) immediately adv. 馬上 (比較正式)
without delay or hesitation : immediately
- The bus is leaving right away.
公車馬上要出發了。
- Coffee will be served right away/ immediately.
現在馬上提供咖啡給大家。
right now ph. 馬上
in the next moment : immediately;
at the present time
right now不能和right away完全交互替用，right away可以與各動詞時態搭配。
- I have to go right away.
我現在必須馬上走。
- I had to go right away.
我當時必須馬上走。
而right now 是指現在、馬上，所以基本上只能跟現在式或是現在進行式搭配。
- I have to go right now.
我現在必須馬上走。
awful adj.非常糟糕
extremely bad or unpleasant
- Teddy left early because the movie was so awful.
Teddy 提早離場，因為電影實在是太難看了。
如果 awful 跟一個負面的名詞搭配，awful 有加強那個名詞的負面效果
- This fool appeared in the middle of the wedding.
在婚禮中突然冒出一個傻子。
- This awful fool appeared in the middle of the wedding.
在婚禮中突然出現，冒出一個超級傻子。
awfully adv. 非常、十分 (也可以給正面的形容詞加分)
very or extremely
- It was an awfully slow day at work.
今天工作感覺時間過得十分地慢。
- It was awfully nice of James to share his food with us.
James 那樣與我們分享食物真的是非常親切。
contagious adj.
/kənˈteɪʤəs/
able to be passed from one person or animal to another by touching
- a contagious disease
- It's a highly contagious virus.
If you do get the stomach flu, drink as much water as possible. Other clear liquids are good, too. You probably won't want to eat much. But when you do feel ready to eat, try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast.
Once you're feeling better, don't return to work or school right away. You can still spread the disease for a few days after you feel better. If you had a fever, wait at least 24 hours after it ends before going out. This will help protect other people from getting sick.
Stomach flu is awful, but by following these tips, you can help stop it from spreading.
Info Cloud
Just what the doctor ordered.
Welcome to Info Cloud, everyone. Please excuse me if I seem a little tired today. I had a full teaching schedule all week.
I know Manya had a tough week, so I stopped off and got her favorite coffee before the show today. Here you go, Manya.
Thank you so much, Rex. That was very kind of you. Mmm, that is just what the doctor ordered.
You are very welcome. And thanks for using that great expression. "Just what the doctor ordered" means exactly what someone wants or needs.
Often we use it with something refreshing or relaxing. A massage after a stressful week or a much-needed holiday could be just what the doctor ordered.
We also use it to mean a great solution. Painting this room bright green is just what the doctor ordered. Now it doesn't feel so dark in here.
It is a fun way to refer to a cure or a solution for something. A doctor's orders are instructions to deal with a problem or illness.
So earlier Manya was saying that her favorite coffee was a perfect way to deal with being tired, just as if a doctor ordered a cure.
And if you are ever feeling frustrated with learning English , we hope Info Cloud can be just what the doctor ordered.
今天要介紹的這個用語相當特別，just what the doctor ordered 字面上的意思是「這就是醫生開的處方」，用來形容一個東西正好是每個人所需要或是想要的。Thanks for the coffee! It’s just what the doctor ordered. 謝謝你的咖啡，那正是我需要的。just what the doctor ordered 也可以用來形容一個問題最後的解決方法。Painting this room white is just what the doctor ordered. 將整個房間漆成白色的是最好的解決方法，因為可能房間光線不好，有點陰暗的感覺。
Language Lab
dishwasher n.洗碗機
a machine that is used to wash dishes
- When Stanley finished his meal, he put his fork and plate into the dishwasher.
Stanley 吃完飯後，就把叉子跟盤子放進洗碗機裡。
a person whose job is to wash dishes in a restaurant 洗碗工
- The restaurant owner wants to hire another dishwasher.
washing machine n. clothes washer = laundry machine
- Emily threw her dirty socks into the clothes washer.
Emily 把她的髒襪子丟進洗衣機裡。
laundry n. 準備要洗、正在洗或是已經洗完的衣物
/ˈlɑːndri/
clothes, towels, sheets, etc., that need to be washed or that have been washed
- Stella is so busy and doesn’t have time to do her laundry.
Stella 忙到沒有時間洗衣服。
- Tanya was doing laundry and couldn’t answer the phone.
Tanya 正在洗衣服而無法接電話。
- Becky was able to do her laundry but she doesn’t have time to fold them.
Becky 的衣服都洗好了，但是她沒有時間把衣服摺好。
a business or place where clothes, towels, sheets, etc., are washed and dried 洗衣店
- Ronda couldn’t wash her coat, so she decided to drop it off at a laundry near her house.
Ronda 無法洗她的大衣，所以她決定把大衣送到家附近的洗衣店去洗。
right away ph 馬上 (比較口語化) immediately adv. 馬上 (比較正式)
without delay or hesitation : immediately
- The bus is leaving right away.
公車馬上要出發了。
- Coffee will be served right away/ immediately.
現在馬上提供咖啡給大家。
right now ph. 馬上
in the next moment : immediately;
at the present time
right now不能和right away完全交互替用，right away可以與各動詞時態搭配。
- I have to go right away.
我現在必須馬上走。
- I had to go right away.
我當時必須馬上走。
而right now 是指現在、馬上，所以基本上只能跟現在式或是現在進行式搭配。
- I have to go right now.
我現在必須馬上走。
awful adj.非常糟糕
extremely bad or unpleasant
- Teddy left early because the movie was so awful.
Teddy 提早離場，因為電影實在是太難看了。
如果 awful 跟一個負面的名詞搭配，awful 有加強那個名詞的負面效果
- This fool appeared in the middle of the wedding.
在婚禮中突然冒出一個傻子。
- This awful fool appeared in the middle of the wedding.
在婚禮中突然出現，冒出一個超級傻子。
awfully adv. 非常、十分 (也可以給正面的形容詞加分)
very or extremely
- It was an awfully slow day at work.
今天工作感覺時間過得十分地慢。
- It was awfully nice of James to share his food with us.
James 那樣與我們分享食物真的是非常親切。
contagious adj.
/kənˈteɪʤəs/
able to be passed from one person or animal to another by touching
- a contagious disease
- It's a highly contagious virus.
Friday, April 17, 2020
Prevent the Stomach Flu! (1)
How to avoid an unpleasant sickness
預防「胃流感」有妙方！ 如何避免這個惱人的疾病
Stomach flu is one of the most unpleasant of the common diseases. It spreads easily, which can make it hard to avoid. That's especially true if someone in your family has it. Stomach flu is caused by a virus, but not the same one that causes regular flu. Because it's caused by a virus, there's no medicine to make it go away. But there are some things you can do to avoid catching it.
You can prevent stomach flu by washing your hands often. Use hot water and soap, and spend time scrubbing. Using hand sanitizer is better than nothing, but it isn't very effective against stomach flu. That's because hand sanitizer mostly kills bacteria, not viruses.
The virus that causes stomach flu is hard to kill. Normal cleaners won't always get rid of it. But cleaning your house can stop you from catching it. So mix bleach with water, and use that to clean surfaces. If someone in your family is sick, focus on cleaning things that person has touched.
Info Cloud
Are you coming down with something?
Hi, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Have you ever heard someone say that they are coming down with something?
Or how about: Be careful, there's something going around?
I bet you wonder what that something was. Don't worry. We're here to explain. The something we're talking about is sickness, some kind of contagious illness.
"Something" is a general word. If someone says there is something going around, it is a way to say that many people are getting sick, but maybe they aren't sure what they are actually getting sick with.
The "around" part of this phrase indicates that the sickness is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the other. Rex, are there a lot of illnesses going around your kids' school?
Absolutely. There is always something going around. It seems my kids catch a bug almost every month.
Ooh, that's another great phrase. To catch a bug means that you caught a contagious illness. The "bug" here isn't an insect, but it's a way to talk about the bacteria or virus that caused you to become sick. (Coughing).
Manya, you've been coughing all morning. Are you coming down with something?
I hope not. But if I've caught a bug, I need to get home and rest.
當你看到有人在咳嗽或是打噴嚏，你可以問他: Are you coming down with something? 在這裡，something 指的就是病毒或是疾病。coming down 有落下或是倒下的涵義，Are you coming down with something? 就是你是不是要生病了；如果確定生病了，你可以用 catch a bug 來形容。Peter caught a bug recently. Peter最近生病了。bug 字面上是蟲子，在這句話裡面代表病毒。如果到了流感季節或者最近大家都在感冒，你可以說: There is something going around. 在這裡 something 又出現了，going around就有傳來傳去的涵義。There is something going around. 就是有病毒正在大流行。
Language Lab
disease n. 疾病 (傳染病、遺傳疾病)
an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally
- Anita had an infectious disease and was kept in a separate room.
Anita 因為得了傳染病，所以被安置在另外一個房間。
a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop 遺傳病、社群中或社會裡的負面現象或惡疾
- Several members of that family have the same genetic disease.
那個家族有幾位成員都有相同的遺傳疾病。
- Racism is often called a social disease.
種族歧視常被稱作為一種社會疾病。
virus n. 病毒
an extremely small particle that causes a disease and that spreads from one person or animal to another; a disease or illness caused by a virus : a viral disease
- Because the flu is caused by a virus, taking antibiotics won’t work.
流感是病毒造成的，所以吃抗生素是沒有用的。
- Health experts are doing everything they can to stop the spreading of the virus.
衛生專家正想盡辦法，來阻止病毒的散播。
computers : a program that is designed to harm a computer by deleting data, ruining files, etc., and that can be spread secretly from one computer to another 電腦病毒
- There are several ways to protect your laptop from computer viruses.
要防止筆電中毒有好幾種方式。
unavoidable adj.
not able to be prevented or avoided
- The accident was unavoidable.
hand sanitizer n.乾洗手用的洗手液
a liquid for washing your hands in order to get rid of harmful bacteria from them
sanitizer n.消毒劑
/ˈsæn.ə.taɪ.zɚ/
a liquid for washing your hands in order to get rid of harmful bacteria from them:
- After Holly wiped the counter, she sprayed it with a sanitizer.
Holly 擦完檯面後，就噴了一些消毒劑。
sanitize v. 消毒
/ˈsænəˌtaɪz/
- The employees had to clean and sanitize the restroom every two hours.
員工們必須兩個小時去清理並消毒洗手間。
sanitary adj. 衛生的
/ˈsænəˌteri/
- It’s not sanitary to use the same cutting board for both cooked and uncooked foods.
用同一個砧板來切熟食跟生食是很不衛生的。
sanitation n. 衛生設施或設備
/ˌsænəˈteɪʃən/
- The restaurant got into a lot of trouble because its sanitation standards were horrible.
那家餐館碰到很多麻煩，因為它的衛生條件很糟糕。
bacteria n. 菌、細菌
any one of a group of very small living things that often cause disease — usually plural
- Keeping the food in this special container protects it from bacteria.
把食物保存在這個特別的保鮮盒裡可以避免細菌跑進去。
也可指好的菌
- To have good health, our bodies need good bacteria.
為了健康，我們的身體須要有好菌。
bacterial adj.
/bækˈtirijəl/
- We need to keep things clean in order to prevent any bacterial infection.
為了避免細菌感染，我們必須要保持清潔。
scrub v.
/ˈskrʌb/
to rub (something) hard with a rough object or substance and often with soap in order to clean it
- She scrubbed the potatoes.
預防「胃流感」有妙方！ 如何避免這個惱人的疾病
Stomach flu is one of the most unpleasant of the common diseases. It spreads easily, which can make it hard to avoid. That's especially true if someone in your family has it. Stomach flu is caused by a virus, but not the same one that causes regular flu. Because it's caused by a virus, there's no medicine to make it go away. But there are some things you can do to avoid catching it.
You can prevent stomach flu by washing your hands often. Use hot water and soap, and spend time scrubbing. Using hand sanitizer is better than nothing, but it isn't very effective against stomach flu. That's because hand sanitizer mostly kills bacteria, not viruses.
The virus that causes stomach flu is hard to kill. Normal cleaners won't always get rid of it. But cleaning your house can stop you from catching it. So mix bleach with water, and use that to clean surfaces. If someone in your family is sick, focus on cleaning things that person has touched.
Info Cloud
Are you coming down with something?
Hi, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Have you ever heard someone say that they are coming down with something?
Or how about: Be careful, there's something going around?
I bet you wonder what that something was. Don't worry. We're here to explain. The something we're talking about is sickness, some kind of contagious illness.
"Something" is a general word. If someone says there is something going around, it is a way to say that many people are getting sick, but maybe they aren't sure what they are actually getting sick with.
The "around" part of this phrase indicates that the sickness is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the other. Rex, are there a lot of illnesses going around your kids' school?
Absolutely. There is always something going around. It seems my kids catch a bug almost every month.
Ooh, that's another great phrase. To catch a bug means that you caught a contagious illness. The "bug" here isn't an insect, but it's a way to talk about the bacteria or virus that caused you to become sick. (Coughing).
Manya, you've been coughing all morning. Are you coming down with something?
I hope not. But if I've caught a bug, I need to get home and rest.
當你看到有人在咳嗽或是打噴嚏，你可以問他: Are you coming down with something? 在這裡，something 指的就是病毒或是疾病。coming down 有落下或是倒下的涵義，Are you coming down with something? 就是你是不是要生病了；如果確定生病了，你可以用 catch a bug 來形容。Peter caught a bug recently. Peter最近生病了。bug 字面上是蟲子，在這句話裡面代表病毒。如果到了流感季節或者最近大家都在感冒，你可以說: There is something going around. 在這裡 something 又出現了，going around就有傳來傳去的涵義。There is something going around. 就是有病毒正在大流行。
Language Lab
disease n. 疾病 (傳染病、遺傳疾病)
an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally
- Anita had an infectious disease and was kept in a separate room.
Anita 因為得了傳染病，所以被安置在另外一個房間。
a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop 遺傳病、社群中或社會裡的負面現象或惡疾
- Several members of that family have the same genetic disease.
那個家族有幾位成員都有相同的遺傳疾病。
- Racism is often called a social disease.
種族歧視常被稱作為一種社會疾病。
virus n. 病毒
an extremely small particle that causes a disease and that spreads from one person or animal to another; a disease or illness caused by a virus : a viral disease
- Because the flu is caused by a virus, taking antibiotics won’t work.
流感是病毒造成的，所以吃抗生素是沒有用的。
- Health experts are doing everything they can to stop the spreading of the virus.
衛生專家正想盡辦法，來阻止病毒的散播。
computers : a program that is designed to harm a computer by deleting data, ruining files, etc., and that can be spread secretly from one computer to another 電腦病毒
- There are several ways to protect your laptop from computer viruses.
要防止筆電中毒有好幾種方式。
unavoidable adj.
not able to be prevented or avoided
- The accident was unavoidable.
hand sanitizer n.乾洗手用的洗手液
a liquid for washing your hands in order to get rid of harmful bacteria from them
sanitizer n.消毒劑
/ˈsæn.ə.taɪ.zɚ/
a liquid for washing your hands in order to get rid of harmful bacteria from them:
- After Holly wiped the counter, she sprayed it with a sanitizer.
Holly 擦完檯面後，就噴了一些消毒劑。
sanitize v. 消毒
/ˈsænəˌtaɪz/
- The employees had to clean and sanitize the restroom every two hours.
員工們必須兩個小時去清理並消毒洗手間。
sanitary adj. 衛生的
/ˈsænəˌteri/
- It’s not sanitary to use the same cutting board for both cooked and uncooked foods.
用同一個砧板來切熟食跟生食是很不衛生的。
sanitation n. 衛生設施或設備
/ˌsænəˈteɪʃən/
- The restaurant got into a lot of trouble because its sanitation standards were horrible.
那家餐館碰到很多麻煩，因為它的衛生條件很糟糕。
bacteria n. 菌、細菌
any one of a group of very small living things that often cause disease — usually plural
- Keeping the food in this special container protects it from bacteria.
把食物保存在這個特別的保鮮盒裡可以避免細菌跑進去。
也可指好的菌
- To have good health, our bodies need good bacteria.
為了健康，我們的身體須要有好菌。
bacterial adj.
/bækˈtirijəl/
- We need to keep things clean in order to prevent any bacterial infection.
為了避免細菌感染，我們必須要保持清潔。
scrub v.
/ˈskrʌb/
to rub (something) hard with a rough object or substance and often with soap in order to clean it
- She scrubbed the potatoes.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Titanic Museum (2)
The entire museum is housed in a Titanic-shaped ship, built half the size of the original steamer. Upon entering, I received a boarding pass with the name of an actual passenger. I would later discover my passenger's fate.
I strolled along a deck under a starry sky and touched an "iceberg." Then I leaned over the rail ans stuck my hands in freezing water. It was the same temperature as the water on that disastrous night:-2.22 degrees Celsius. I immediately gained a better understanding of the true peril faced by those who went into the ocean that night. Next I sat in a full-size lifeboat and listened to recorded testimonies from many of the passengers and crew.
I toured the holding area for the 12 dogs on board and shoveled coal down below. Then, in the heart of the ship, I walked up a full-size, $1 million replica of the original ship's magnificent Grand Staircase.
At the end of the tour, I discovered that my passenger, Edith Rosenbaum, was one of the fortunate survivors. All in all, it was an extremely moving tour! The museum gives visitors a chance to experience some of the splendor and the sorrow that will forever be associated with Titanic.
Language Lab
steamer n.
a boat or ship that is powered by steam
- Eugene showed me an old photo of a steamer in the harbor.
a container in which food is cooked with steam
- Pamela is cooking vegetable with her new steamer.
蒸汽機
- I need a steamer to get rid of the wrinkles on this shirt.
peril n.
/ˈperəl/ 危險, 危險的事物
the possibility that you will be hurt or killed or that something unpleasant or bad will happen : danger
- The refugees faced great peril on the sea.
- The hiker's life was in peril , but he had no way of getting help.
at one's peril
— used to say that if you do something you should be aware that it is dangerous and that you could be harmed, injured, punished, etc.
- The boy knew that going into the jungle by himself was at his peril.
- If you choose not to fasten your seatbelt, you're driving at your peril.
replica n.
/ˈrɛplɪkə/
an exact or very close copy of something
- The artist's painting became so famous that he started producing replicas.
- The merchant claimed he was selling diamond necklaces, but he was actually selling cheap replicas.
replicate v.
/ˈrɛpləˌkeɪt/.
to repeat or copy (something) exactly
- Beatrice tried to replicate the famous designer's dress.
all in all
in a general way : when everything is thought of or considered
- Although the actors made several mistakes along the way, it was a good play all in all.
- All in all, it was a successful fundraising event, and we hope to have another one soon!
- Sullivan does not have a lot of experience nor a solid resume, so all in all, he doesn't seem like the kind of worker we are looking for.
I strolled along a deck under a starry sky and touched an "iceberg." Then I leaned over the rail ans stuck my hands in freezing water. It was the same temperature as the water on that disastrous night:-2.22 degrees Celsius. I immediately gained a better understanding of the true peril faced by those who went into the ocean that night. Next I sat in a full-size lifeboat and listened to recorded testimonies from many of the passengers and crew.
I toured the holding area for the 12 dogs on board and shoveled coal down below. Then, in the heart of the ship, I walked up a full-size, $1 million replica of the original ship's magnificent Grand Staircase.
At the end of the tour, I discovered that my passenger, Edith Rosenbaum, was one of the fortunate survivors. All in all, it was an extremely moving tour! The museum gives visitors a chance to experience some of the splendor and the sorrow that will forever be associated with Titanic.
Language Lab
steamer n.
a boat or ship that is powered by steam
- Eugene showed me an old photo of a steamer in the harbor.
a container in which food is cooked with steam
- Pamela is cooking vegetable with her new steamer.
蒸汽機
- I need a steamer to get rid of the wrinkles on this shirt.
peril n.
/ˈperəl/ 危險, 危險的事物
the possibility that you will be hurt or killed or that something unpleasant or bad will happen : danger
- The refugees faced great peril on the sea.
- The hiker's life was in peril , but he had no way of getting help.
at one's peril
— used to say that if you do something you should be aware that it is dangerous and that you could be harmed, injured, punished, etc.
- The boy knew that going into the jungle by himself was at his peril.
- If you choose not to fasten your seatbelt, you're driving at your peril.
replica n.
/ˈrɛplɪkə/
an exact or very close copy of something
- The artist's painting became so famous that he started producing replicas.
- The merchant claimed he was selling diamond necklaces, but he was actually selling cheap replicas.
replicate v.
/ˈrɛpləˌkeɪt/.
to repeat or copy (something) exactly
- Beatrice tried to replicate the famous designer's dress.
all in all
in a general way : when everything is thought of or considered
- Although the actors made several mistakes along the way, it was a good play all in all.
- All in all, it was a successful fundraising event, and we hope to have another one soon!
- Sullivan does not have a lot of experience nor a solid resume, so all in all, he doesn't seem like the kind of worker we are looking for.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Titanic Museum (1)
Sometimes the best way to respect and honor those who lost their lives is to simply tell their stories
鐵達尼號博物館 重現船難前風華樣貌緬懷難忘的獨特故事
One hundred and eight years ago today, the world-famous Titanic hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the ocean. It was the most luxurious passenger ship of its time and thought to be unsinkable. Sadly, that proved to be false and more than 1500 of the approximately 2200 people on board lost their lives.
I recently visited a museum that honors the famous ship and the passengers and crew that were on the doomed voyage. Titanic Museum Attraction (TMA) is located in Pigeon Forge, a mountain city in East Tennessee.
In 1987 movie producer John Joslyn and a team dove to the site of the Titanic's wreckage in a $20 million submersible. They filmed hundreds of hours of film, some of which was later used in a documentary about the Titanic. But Joslyn's passion didn't stop there. He dreamed of a place where visitors could experience much of what those on board actually saw, touched and encountered.
Joslyn wanted a "living theater" with guests as part of the experience. In 2010, his dream came true with the construction of Titanic Museum Attraction. With over 400 artifacts, TMA is the world's largest permanent Titanic museum.
Language Lab
unsinkable v.
(of a ship or boat) unable to be sunk.
- Is it possible to build an unsinkable ship?
- Although the Titanic was considered to be an unsinkable ship, there were lifeboats on board.
樂觀
- Mr. Swanson has an unsinkable personality, and everyone who knows him respects him a lot.
doom v.
/ˈduːm/ 注定，命定
to make (someone or something) certain to fail, suffer, die, etc.
- The poor princess was doomed to marry the king of the enemy country.
- Jeremy's company was doomed when the entire factory was destroyed by the fire.
doom n. 厄運，毀滅，死亡
very bad events or situations that cannot be avoided
- The swarm of locusts brought doom to the farmers.
- The team of explorers met their doom when they tried to cross the desert.
submersible n. 潛水器
[səbˈmɜːsəbl]
a small vehicle that can operate underwater and that is used especially for research
a small submersible boat or other craft, especially one designed for research and exploration.
- The scientists climbed into the submersible to go explore the sunken ship.
無人的vehicle that can operate underwater and that is used especially for research
- The submersible came back with amazing photos of underwater wildlife.
submersible adj.
able to be used underwater
- Although the water craft looked very cool, it really wasn't submersible.
- The robot is submersible and can stay underwater much longer than a diver.
documentary n.
a movie or television program that tells the facts about actual people and events
- Dwayne loves watching war documentaries.
- Watching a documentary on earthworms put Rita to sleep.
document n.
an official paper that gives information about something or that is used as proof of something
- Alfred placed the official documents in an envelope so no one could see them.
a computer file that contains text that you have written
- Before I could save the document on my computer, the power went out.
permanent adj. 永久的，永恆的；永遠的；固定性的；常在的
lasting or continuing for a very long time or forever : not temporary or changing
- The museum's permanent collection includes works of art from the 18th century.
鐵達尼號博物館 重現船難前風華樣貌緬懷難忘的獨特故事
One hundred and eight years ago today, the world-famous Titanic hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the ocean. It was the most luxurious passenger ship of its time and thought to be unsinkable. Sadly, that proved to be false and more than 1500 of the approximately 2200 people on board lost their lives.
I recently visited a museum that honors the famous ship and the passengers and crew that were on the doomed voyage. Titanic Museum Attraction (TMA) is located in Pigeon Forge, a mountain city in East Tennessee.
In 1987 movie producer John Joslyn and a team dove to the site of the Titanic's wreckage in a $20 million submersible. They filmed hundreds of hours of film, some of which was later used in a documentary about the Titanic. But Joslyn's passion didn't stop there. He dreamed of a place where visitors could experience much of what those on board actually saw, touched and encountered.
Joslyn wanted a "living theater" with guests as part of the experience. In 2010, his dream came true with the construction of Titanic Museum Attraction. With over 400 artifacts, TMA is the world's largest permanent Titanic museum.
Language Lab
unsinkable v.
(of a ship or boat) unable to be sunk.
- Is it possible to build an unsinkable ship?
- Although the Titanic was considered to be an unsinkable ship, there were lifeboats on board.
樂觀
- Mr. Swanson has an unsinkable personality, and everyone who knows him respects him a lot.
doom v.
/ˈduːm/ 注定，命定
to make (someone or something) certain to fail, suffer, die, etc.
- The poor princess was doomed to marry the king of the enemy country.
- Jeremy's company was doomed when the entire factory was destroyed by the fire.
doom n. 厄運，毀滅，死亡
very bad events or situations that cannot be avoided
- The swarm of locusts brought doom to the farmers.
- The team of explorers met their doom when they tried to cross the desert.
submersible n. 潛水器
[səbˈmɜːsəbl]
a small vehicle that can operate underwater and that is used especially for research
a small submersible boat or other craft, especially one designed for research and exploration.
- The scientists climbed into the submersible to go explore the sunken ship.
無人的vehicle that can operate underwater and that is used especially for research
- The submersible came back with amazing photos of underwater wildlife.
submersible adj.
able to be used underwater
- Although the water craft looked very cool, it really wasn't submersible.
- The robot is submersible and can stay underwater much longer than a diver.
documentary n.
a movie or television program that tells the facts about actual people and events
- Dwayne loves watching war documentaries.
- Watching a documentary on earthworms put Rita to sleep.
document n.
an official paper that gives information about something or that is used as proof of something
- Alfred placed the official documents in an envelope so no one could see them.
a computer file that contains text that you have written
- Before I could save the document on my computer, the power went out.
permanent adj. 永久的，永恆的；永遠的；固定性的；常在的
lasting or continuing for a very long time or forever : not temporary or changing
- The museum's permanent collection includes works of art from the 18th century.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Social Media’s Superman (2)
During his senior year in high school, Zuckerberg developed new music-playing software he named Synapse. Users liked Synapse so much that two big tech companies, Microsoft and AOL, each offered Mark $1 million dollars for the program. He refused both offers and enrolled in Harvard University. There, he kept developing software. He created Facemash, a system for identifying the most attractive person on campus. It was so popular that it slowed down Harvard's entire computer network. It also offended many female students, so Zuckerberg apologized and closed the program.
At Harvard, Zuckerberg also began to develop Facebook. With an initial investment of just $2000 dollars, he launched it in February 2004. By 2007 Facebook was estimated to be worth $15 billion! In 2012 Mark married his college girlfriend, pediatrician Priscilla Chan. They have two children, Maxima and August.
Facebook has a huge influence on society, the economy, culture and politics. So Zuckerberg often finds himself in the glare of media and government attention. Defending himself and his world-changing creation, he says, "By giving people the power to share, we're making the world more transparent."
Language Lab
identify v.
to know and say who someone is or what something is
- The witness saw a man in the parking lot, but she couldn't identify him.
to find out who someone is or what something is
- The teacher asked Charlie to identify and write down three personal goals.
to identify with somebody [phrasal verb]
identify with (someone or something) : to think of yourself as having the same problems and feelings as someone
- Michael really liked the movie because he could identify with the main character.
apologize v.
/əˈpɑːləˌʤaɪz/
to express regret for doing or saying something wrong : to give or make an apology
- If I didn't do anything wrong, why should I apologize?
- You need to go and apologize to your brother because you broke his bike.
apology n.
/əˈpɑːləʤi/
- Randall sent over a large bouquet to show his apology.
apologetic adj.
/əˌpɑːləˈʤɛtɪk/
feeling or showing regret : expressing an apology
- Karen made a very small mistake, but she is very apologetic.
initial adj.
occurring at the beginning of something
- The film production is still in its initial stage, but the team is very hopeful.
- The initial reports did not provide accurate information.
initial n.
to mark (something) with your initials
- Anna's full name is Anna Helena Wilson, so her initials are A.H.W.
glare n.
/ˈgleɚ/
— sometimes used figuratively to suggest the idea of a very bright light shining on someone who is being given a lot of public attention
- Marilee was worried when reporters began to contact her because she did not want the glare of public attention
a harsh, bright light
- You will need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare.
v. to shine with a harsh, bright light
- We need to turn that light off because it is really glaring.
to look directly at someone in an angry way
- When James saw his wife glaring at him, he knew he was in trouble.
At Harvard, Zuckerberg also began to develop Facebook. With an initial investment of just $2000 dollars, he launched it in February 2004. By 2007 Facebook was estimated to be worth $15 billion! In 2012 Mark married his college girlfriend, pediatrician Priscilla Chan. They have two children, Maxima and August.
Facebook has a huge influence on society, the economy, culture and politics. So Zuckerberg often finds himself in the glare of media and government attention. Defending himself and his world-changing creation, he says, "By giving people the power to share, we're making the world more transparent."
Language Lab
identify v.
to know and say who someone is or what something is
- The witness saw a man in the parking lot, but she couldn't identify him.
to find out who someone is or what something is
- The teacher asked Charlie to identify and write down three personal goals.
to identify with somebody [phrasal verb]
identify with (someone or something) : to think of yourself as having the same problems and feelings as someone
- Michael really liked the movie because he could identify with the main character.
apologize v.
/əˈpɑːləˌʤaɪz/
to express regret for doing or saying something wrong : to give or make an apology
- If I didn't do anything wrong, why should I apologize?
- You need to go and apologize to your brother because you broke his bike.
apology n.
/əˈpɑːləʤi/
- Randall sent over a large bouquet to show his apology.
apologetic adj.
/əˌpɑːləˈʤɛtɪk/
feeling or showing regret : expressing an apology
- Karen made a very small mistake, but she is very apologetic.
initial adj.
occurring at the beginning of something
- The film production is still in its initial stage, but the team is very hopeful.
- The initial reports did not provide accurate information.
initial n.
to mark (something) with your initials
- Anna's full name is Anna Helena Wilson, so her initials are A.H.W.
glare n.
/ˈgleɚ/
— sometimes used figuratively to suggest the idea of a very bright light shining on someone who is being given a lot of public attention
- Marilee was worried when reporters began to contact her because she did not want the glare of public attention
a harsh, bright light
- You will need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's glare.
v. to shine with a harsh, bright light
- We need to turn that light off because it is really glaring.
to look directly at someone in an angry way
- When James saw his wife glaring at him, he knew he was in trouble.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Social Media’s Superman (1)
Like him or not, Mark Zuckerberg has amazing creative powers
馬克˙祖克柏：社群媒體超人
不管你喜不喜歡馬克?祖克柏，他的創造力都確實超凡
People have differing opinions about Mark Zuckerburg, founder and CEO of Facebook. Some admire him and want to work for him or to copy his success. He has more than 100 million followers on his own Facebook account! But some polls have also shown that a significant percentage of people don't like him very much at all. The reason for that may not be the nature of the man himself, but of the social media empire he has created. Facebook is a company many people love to hate, and that rubs off on its founder.
Zuckerberg was born in 1984, just as the personal computing revolution was ramping up. That was the year the Apple Macintosh computer was introduced. Like many boys of his generation, young Mark had a deep interest in computers. He began writing computer programs in middle school. In a very smart move, his father, a dentist, hired a software developer to give Mark private lessons. The boy soon produced a computer network for his family to use. He also adapted popular board games to play on computers.
Language Lab
percentage n.
/pɚˈsɛntɪʤ/
a number or rate that is expressed as a certain number of parts of something divided into 100 parts
- Most of the employees like the new plan, but we don't know the actual percentage.
percent
a part of a whole : portion
- Twenty percent of the students in this school live with both parents.
percentile n.
one of 100 equal parts that a group of people can be divided into in order to rank them
/pɚˈsɛnˌtajəl/
- All the students scored in the 90th percentile.
rub off [phrasal verb]
to come off of a surface and often stick to another surface when the surfaces touch each other
to rub
- Don't rob your eyes.
- Jake is trying to rub off the old paint.
rub off on 影響
- Busy Billy is spending too much time with Lazy Lisa, and her laziness is rubbing off on him.
- Edmond is always cheerful, and it's rubbing off on me.
ramp up [phrasal verb]
ramp up or ramp up (something) or ramp (something) up : to increase or to cause (something) to increase in speed, size, etc.
- There were no ramps in front of the small airport, so it was difficult to bring the large suitcases in.
- After the robbery last week, the jewelry store is going to ramp up security.
- The company is making plans to ramp up production.
ramp-up n.
- The ramp-up of production means the workers will have more work to do.
adapt v.
to change (a movie, book, play, etc.) so that it can be presented in another form
- Mary made a dish that was adapted from her grandmother's recipe.
- I heard that the children's play was adapted from a mystery novel.
to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation
- Gina has moved overseas and is still learning to adapt to the local culture.
馬克˙祖克柏：社群媒體超人
不管你喜不喜歡馬克?祖克柏，他的創造力都確實超凡
People have differing opinions about Mark Zuckerburg, founder and CEO of Facebook. Some admire him and want to work for him or to copy his success. He has more than 100 million followers on his own Facebook account! But some polls have also shown that a significant percentage of people don't like him very much at all. The reason for that may not be the nature of the man himself, but of the social media empire he has created. Facebook is a company many people love to hate, and that rubs off on its founder.
Zuckerberg was born in 1984, just as the personal computing revolution was ramping up. That was the year the Apple Macintosh computer was introduced. Like many boys of his generation, young Mark had a deep interest in computers. He began writing computer programs in middle school. In a very smart move, his father, a dentist, hired a software developer to give Mark private lessons. The boy soon produced a computer network for his family to use. He also adapted popular board games to play on computers.
Language Lab
percentage n.
/pɚˈsɛntɪʤ/
a number or rate that is expressed as a certain number of parts of something divided into 100 parts
- Most of the employees like the new plan, but we don't know the actual percentage.
percent
a part of a whole : portion
- Twenty percent of the students in this school live with both parents.
percentile n.
one of 100 equal parts that a group of people can be divided into in order to rank them
/pɚˈsɛnˌtajəl/
- All the students scored in the 90th percentile.
rub off [phrasal verb]
to come off of a surface and often stick to another surface when the surfaces touch each other
to rub
- Don't rob your eyes.
- Jake is trying to rub off the old paint.
rub off on 影響
- Busy Billy is spending too much time with Lazy Lisa, and her laziness is rubbing off on him.
- Edmond is always cheerful, and it's rubbing off on me.
ramp up [phrasal verb]
ramp up or ramp up (something) or ramp (something) up : to increase or to cause (something) to increase in speed, size, etc.
- There were no ramps in front of the small airport, so it was difficult to bring the large suitcases in.
- After the robbery last week, the jewelry store is going to ramp up security.
- The company is making plans to ramp up production.
ramp-up n.
- The ramp-up of production means the workers will have more work to do.
adapt v.
to change (a movie, book, play, etc.) so that it can be presented in another form
- Mary made a dish that was adapted from her grandmother's recipe.
- I heard that the children's play was adapted from a mystery novel.
to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation
- Gina has moved overseas and is still learning to adapt to the local culture.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Beauty and the Beast (1)
People still love this “tale as old as time”
美女與野獸 不朽童話依然是大家的最愛
Beauty and the Beast is considered one of the oldest myths around. The tale is believed to date back to Rome in the second century. Through the ages, many cultures developed their own versions of the story. Tales like Beauty and the Beast can be found in places like China, Africa, Europe and India.
The first printed story appeared in France in 1740. It told of a beautiful girl and a cursed prince. Sixteen years later, another writer changed the story, making it more suitable for children. Shen then released it in England under the title Beauty and the Beast. The story was translated into many languages across Europe. This is the version that most people are familiar with today.
The story was made into a French movie in 1948. the Broadway musical version opened in 1994. Then, in 2017, Disney made it into a movie with live actors. But perhaps none are as beloved as Disney's 1991 animated version of Beauty and the Beast.
Language Lab
beast n.
/ˈbiːst/
an animal
- The king became ill, and his actions looked more like a beast than a normal human.
especially : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual
- The farmer decided to hunt down the beast because it wall killing all the sheep.
an animal, especially a large or dangerous four-footed one
- Some kind of beast came by in the night, and it left some very large footprints.
cursed adj.
/ˈkɚsəd/
affected by a curse that causes bad things to happen
- A prince who was cursed.
- People were afraid of going into the old castle because it was believed to be cursed.
to curse v.
to say offensive words to (someone)
- The man was so angry that he started cursing at everybody.
motif n. （文學、藝術作品的）主題，中心思想
/moʊˈtiːf/
something (such as an important idea or subject) that is repeated throughout a book, story, etc.
release v.
to allow (a person or animal) to leave a jail, cage, prison, etc. : to set (someone or something) free
- After the war was over, the prisoners were released.
to make (something) available to the public
- The singer will release her new album this summer.
to stop holding (someone or something)
- Press and hold this button, and then, wait for my signal to release it.
animated adj.
full of life and energy
- The teacher is always very animated in order to capture his students' attention.
inanimate adj.
not living : not capable of life
- The magician was able to make inanimate objects suddenly move around on their own.
美女與野獸 不朽童話依然是大家的最愛
Beauty and the Beast is considered one of the oldest myths around. The tale is believed to date back to Rome in the second century. Through the ages, many cultures developed their own versions of the story. Tales like Beauty and the Beast can be found in places like China, Africa, Europe and India.
The first printed story appeared in France in 1740. It told of a beautiful girl and a cursed prince. Sixteen years later, another writer changed the story, making it more suitable for children. Shen then released it in England under the title Beauty and the Beast. The story was translated into many languages across Europe. This is the version that most people are familiar with today.
The story was made into a French movie in 1948. the Broadway musical version opened in 1994. Then, in 2017, Disney made it into a movie with live actors. But perhaps none are as beloved as Disney's 1991 animated version of Beauty and the Beast.
Language Lab
beast n.
/ˈbiːst/
an animal
- The king became ill, and his actions looked more like a beast than a normal human.
especially : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual
- The farmer decided to hunt down the beast because it wall killing all the sheep.
an animal, especially a large or dangerous four-footed one
- Some kind of beast came by in the night, and it left some very large footprints.
cursed adj.
/ˈkɚsəd/
affected by a curse that causes bad things to happen
- A prince who was cursed.
- People were afraid of going into the old castle because it was believed to be cursed.
to curse v.
to say offensive words to (someone)
- The man was so angry that he started cursing at everybody.
motif n. （文學、藝術作品的）主題，中心思想
/moʊˈtiːf/
something (such as an important idea or subject) that is repeated throughout a book, story, etc.
release v.
to allow (a person or animal) to leave a jail, cage, prison, etc. : to set (someone or something) free
- After the war was over, the prisoners were released.
to make (something) available to the public
- The singer will release her new album this summer.
to stop holding (someone or something)
- Press and hold this button, and then, wait for my signal to release it.
animated adj.
full of life and energy
- The teacher is always very animated in order to capture his students' attention.
inanimate adj.
not living : not capable of life
- The magician was able to make inanimate objects suddenly move around on their own.
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