Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Sleep Debt (1)

 What is it and how can we avoid it?
「睡眠債」還得清!? 睡眠債是什麼, 我們又該如何避免?

For many students, shift workers and others, getting enough sleep each night presents a dilemma. There is too much to do and not enough time to do it, so people often try to catch up on the weekends. But researchers report that it takes longer than we think to replace missing hours of sleep. Sleep debt, deficit or deprivation is the difference between how much we get. And, while we spend our weekdays working around the clock, it takes a heavy toll on our bodies. 

How many hours of sleep are really necessary? According to the Mayo Clinic, school-age children require nine to 12 hours a night. Teens need eight to 10, and adults need seven to nine hours nightly. 

It's not hard to calculate your sleep debt. Suppose you require eight hours of sleep a night, but for one week, you only slept six hours nightly. As a result, you developed a cumulative sleep debt of 14 hours. 

How can you make it up, and why does it matter? Many people use naps and their days off to replace lost sleep. Yet studies show that it can take up to four days to replace one hour of lost sleep and ward off its detrimental effects. 


Language Lab

dilemma n. 
a situation in which it is very difficult to decide what to do, because all the choices seem equally good or equally bad
- Amelia faced a difficult dilemma when choosing between two job offers because each one had advantages and disadvantages. 
- The financial dilemma of paying for college led the student to explore financial aid packages. 
- The brothers found themselves in quite a dilemma when deciding how to care for their elderly parents. 

deprivation n.
the lack of something that you need in order to be healthycomfortable, or happy
- The bad economy led to widespread deprivation among families that had a hard time making a living. 
- Sleep deprivation can have a terrible impact on one's physical and mental health. 
deprive v.
- Be careful of depriving your body of needed nutrition when you are trying to lose weight. 

cumulative adj.
increasing gradually as more of something is added or happens
- The cumulative effect of years of pollution has affected the water and air quality of the country. 
- The company's cumulative profits for the past ten years have allowed it to expand. 
- The class is designed to build cumulative knowledge as each lesson builds on what was taught in the previous weeks. 

detrimental adj.
/detrəˈmentl/
causing harm or damage SYN harmfuldamaging
- It has been proven over and over that smoking is detrimental to people's health. 
- The detrimental effect of the water pollution was very evident in the small town.
- The lack of concern that Vincent's parents have regarding his education is very detrimental to his future. 


Info Cloud

Topic: debt

Rex: Hello friends, welcome to info cloud. Hi Garrett!

Garrett: Hey Rex! Today, I heard one of our coworkers talking about money problems. He said he had been running up of debt. It made me think that we should talk about debt terms.

Rex: That's a good idea Garrett. A running up debt is an interesting term. It means you are spending more money than you have.  So you own more and more money. It's a lot like saying you are getting deeper in debt. 

Garrett: Hmm. Being in debt isn't a good thing. But being in someone's debt isn't too bad. 

Rex: What's the difference?

Garrett: Well, it means you owe someone a favor or you are thankful for something they have done for you. And, it's not always about money. 

Rex: Like if your friend helps you fix your car, you might say: "I am in your debt" to show your appreciation. 

Garrett: That's right. Really though! It's best to get out of debt as quickly as possible. You can do that by paying down your debt. 

Rex: Paying down debt is the same as paying off debt, right?

Garrett: Yes. It just means you are paying back the money you owe. So go and pay off that debt right now. 


running up debt

getting deeper in debt 

in someone's debt

I'm in your debt.

get out of debt

paying down your debt / paying off your debt

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Thrill of the Catch (2)

If you want to eat, you have to work for it!
釣蝦趣 想吃,就必須付出努力!

How does indoor shrimping work? Picture yourself armed with a fishing rod, a bobber and a plate of chicken liver and dried baby shrimp for bait. Find a place to sit, and then cast your line into the pool in front of you. When the bobber sinks, it means a shrimp is nibbling on your bait.

But don't reel it in yet! Shrimping experts suggest that you wait until the second tug before claiming your catch. Patience and experience are the keys to success. Newcomers may catch a few shrimp in an hour, but those with experience can reel in a dozen or more.

Most shrimping places charge by the hour. When your time is up, go grill your catch! First, you need to clean and skewer your shrimp. The shrimp may still be alive as you do this, so prepare yourself. Then, season your shrimp and throw them on the grill. When their bluish shells turn striking shades of red and pink, they're ready to eat. 

If this article made your mouth water, go rally some friends and try shrimping today!


Language Lab

rod n.
a long thin pole or bar
- Nick cast his fishing rod into the calm lake, hoping to catch some fish for dinner.
- The technician used a long metal rod to carefully guide the wires into place.
- The workers  used steel rods to make the walls of the house stronger.

nibble v.
to eat small amounts of food by taking very small bites
- Phyllis nibbled on a piece of dark chocolate to satisfy her sweet tooth. 
- Several fish nibbled on Rob's line, but he still wasn't able to catch anything. 
- The squirrel sat on the tree branch and stared at me as it nibbled on a nut. 

reel in v phase 
to wind the reel on a fishing rod so that a fish caught on the line comes towards you
- The fisherman skillfully reeled in a large fish after waiting patiently for nearly two hours. 
to get or attract a large number of people or things SYN pull in
- The storyteller had a way of reeling in the audience with exciting details of his adventures. 
- The company's new marketing campaign was aimed at reeling in students who had money to spend. 

striking adj.
unusual or interesting enough to be easily noticed
- Paul has such striking features that people never forget him. 
- In many countries the contrast between how the rich and the poor live is striking. 
3 [only before noun] not working because of being on strike
- People gave the striking auto workers hot drinks to warm them up as they demonstrated in front of the factory. 

Info Cloud

Topic: fishing for compliments

Garrett: Hello friends, welcome to info cloud. Hey Rex, did you see the fleshy red suit that Tony wore to the party?

Rex: Oh yeah! It looked ridicules. I think he were just fishing for compliments. 

Garrett: I think so, too. But let's talk about the expression you just used "fishing for compliments" what does it mean?

Rex: When a person is fishing for compliments, they're trying to get people to praise them.

Garrett: What are some ways to fish for compliments?

Rex: Uhh, like Tony. People wear very flashy outfits to get attention from others. Then, people will compliment them out of curtesy. 

Garrett: Another way to fish for compliments is to say negative things about yourself. 

Rex: Like someone who is thin might say: "I've been getting lot of weight lately." And then people will say, "what are you talking about? You look amazing."

Garrett: Well, we don't have to fish for compliments. When we are really outstanding in a certain area, people will naturally give you compliments that are honest and true. Go out and compliment someone today. 
















The Thrill of the Catch (1)

If you want to eat, you have to work for it!
釣蝦趣 想吃,就必須付出努力!

It's Friday night and, after creeping through a Taipei night market, you and your friends aren't ready to go home. So why not hit up a 24-hour shrimping spot? In Taipei, indoor shrimping places are all over the map. It's a unique activity that has become an urban phenomenon!

The origins of shrimp farming in Taiwan can be traced back to traditional aquaculture practices. For centuries, shrimp were caught and bred in the country's waterways, forming an important part of local food culture. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that Taiwan became a pioneer in modern shrimp aquaculture. 

The breakthrough cam in 1968 when Taiwanese aquaculture expert Liao I-chiu successfully bred grass prawns. And in the 1970s, researchers at Tungkang Marine Laboratory found a way to breed giant freshwater prawns. Theses prawns are the stars of recreational shrimping. 

The concept of shrimping as a recreational sport gained po9opularity in the 80s and 90s. As urban life took center stage, the activity transitioned from outdoor to indoor venues. This change made it a perfect fit for city life. 


Language Lab

creep v.
- The cat likes to creep around the house at night.

pioneer n.
- In the 1800's, the American pioneers moved west in search of new opportunities.

laboratory n.
- The new medicine was developed after years of research in the laboratory.

transition v.
- Moving to a new country can be challenging, but with time, you'll transition to a new life. 

aquaculture n.

bobber n.

skewer v.


Friday, February 23, 2024

Discover Busan, South Korea (2)

Gamcheon Culture Village is a favorite stop for many visitors to Busan. The area consists of terraced streets twisting alleys and brightly painted houses Gamcheon - once one of the poorest areas of Busan - underwent a major renovation in 2009. Today, the village is filled with murals, sculptures cafes and craft boutiques. 

If you are interested in art with a modern twist, visit Busan Museum 1. It is a media art museum that presents art that can be experienced with the whole body. In some rooms, for instance, artwork stretches from wall to floor, creating the feeling of being in the center of every space.

For a relaxing break, travel to Taejongdae Park, which features a lush green forest surrounded by the deep blue sea and impressive cliffs. The area is known for its stunning coastal scenery, pebble beaches and countless walking trails.  

For another thrill, ride a cable car at Songdo Beach for a bird's eye view of Busan. The Busan Air Cruise travels 1.6 km through the air and offers incredible views of the beach, Namhang Bridge and the cliffs below. 

You could spend days in Busan and still not see all its attractions and landmarks. For your next trip to South Korea, why not swap Seoul for the thriving coastal city of Busan?


Language Lab

terraced adj.
terraced fieldslopegarden etc has been cut into a series of flat areas along the side of the slope
- The terraced rice fields in Bali are one of the island's most popular tourist destinations.
- The cafe had a lovely terraced seating area where customers could drink their coffee while looking out over the bustling city. 
terrace n.
PLACE YOU CAN SIT a flat outdoor area next to a building or on a roof, where you can sit outside to eat, relax etc
- Sammy and Terri eat breakfast on their terrace every morning during spring and summer. 

for instance phrase 
for example
- Always take a sweater or light jacket with you in summer in case you get cold, for instance. 
- Mark has lived all over, for instance, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Koahsiung and Bangkok - all before the age of 10.
- You can make a lot of money from a garage sale. For instance, my neighbor made more than NT$10,000 in one day when she had hers. 

pebble n.
a small smooth stone found especially on a beach or on the bottom of a river
- The pebble surface of the road makes it a little dangerous to ride one's bike on.
- The garden path was lined with small pebbles, making it a charming walkway.
- Virgina picked up several smooth, round pebbles from the beach and took them home to remember her vacation. 

swap v.
to give something to someone and get something in return SYN exchange
- David and Elaine swapped umbrellas because Elaine's was much bigger than David's.
- Cynthia and Jodie swap clothes all the time.
- The passengers had to swap buses because the original bus broken down halfway through its route.


Info Cloud

Garrett: Hello everyone, welcome to info cloud. Do you prefer living in a new or an old part of a city?

Rex: I enjoyed walking through the older section of place and learning about the history, but I love the modern convenience of my neighborhood.

Garrett: Hmm, yes. So, you like having the best of both worlds.

Rex: That's true. But, let's talk about a word today that is related to this question: "gentrification". 

Garrett: Oh, that sounds like a technical term. It might be use by city planners or sociologists.

Rex: "Gentrification" talks about turning an area of city from low value to high value. 

Garrett: So, it's a little different from modernization which means making older things new.

Rex: Yes. Though that is often part the process of gentrification

Garrett: Certainly. the word "gentrification" comes from the historical word "gentry".

Rex: The "gentry" especially written in Britain were wealthy people who own land.  

Garrett: They were the riches to most powerful people. The Nobel's Kings and Queens were those but the gentry were just one step below.

Rex: When these people move to London dreams Victorim times, they often bought land. That was being rented by poor people, forcing them in term to find new homes.

Garrett: Similarly, today the term gentrification describes developing an area quickly. Usually that means putting in more expensive buildings and shops. 

Rex: That has been a dislike bringing in jobs and reduce crime rates.

Garrett: Yeah. But it also creates serious problems. For example, people that have lived in that area for a long time often can't afford to live there anymore. So it's an issue with many sides  to discuss and debt. 



Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Discover Busan, South Korea (1)

South Korea’s exciting second city
釜山 一探南韓第二大城 的多采多姿

For years, Busan languished in the shadow of South Korea's capital city, Seoul. But no longer! Today, many travelers consider Busan, with its magnificent beaches, exciting nightlife and delicious seafood, a must-see location.

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, has been nicknamed the country's "summer capital" because people flock to its six beaches. Haeundae Beach, the longest in the country, stretches for 1.5 kilometers.

If you're not a beach lover, don't worry; the vibrant Haeundae Beach region has more to offer than just ocean activities. Skyscrapers, shops, cafes and restaurants line the beach, and when the sun set, live music, dance clubs and great food are plentiful.

Just down the coast, Jagaichi Market, one of Korea's largest fish markets, is a popular early-morning gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This bustling market offers a wide variety of seafood, fresh from the sea. Step upstairs to the seafood restaurants for a taste!

Another must-see is the observatory Busan X the SKY, located in Haeundae LCT The Sharp Landmark Tower, Busan's tallest building. Visitors can take in breathtaking views from the top three floors.

Busan also boasts an active spa culture, with around 450 spas that feature hot and cold pools and saunas.


Language Lab

languish v.
if someone languishes somewhere, they are forced to remain in a place where they are unhappy- The historic building continued to languish in a state of neglect because it hadn't been properly taken care of.
- Maria's plants languished when they were forgotten about and left without water for weeks.
- The talented musician put off his dreams as he languished in a job that he didn't like in order to pay his bills.

in the shadow of phrase v.
 the bad effect or influence that something has, which makes other things seem less enjoyableattractive, or impressive
- The young artist struggled to find her own identity in the shadow of her famous painter mother.
- The small company worked tirelessly to prove itself in the shadow of big organizations. 

in the shadow of 離得很近
- The old historic church stood in the shadow of the surrounding tall buildings.

bustling adj.
bustling place is very busy
- The bustling city streets came alive at night, with bright lights and signs lighting up the streets for people and vehicles.
- The airport was bustling with travelers who were hurrying to catch their flights. 

bustle v.
to move around quickly, looking very busy
- Martha bustled around the kitchen all afternoon cooking for her dinner guests.

spa n.
a place where people go to improve their health and beauty, especially through swimming, exercise, beauty treatments etc
- The spa offers a wide range of treatments for both men and women.
- The resort's spa had a first-class fitness center, where guests could work out before getting a spa treatment.
- Spa weekends had become a popular way for the three friends to relax as they escaped the stress of their jobs. 


Info Cloud

Garrett: Welcome to info cloud, everybody. Do you know which city is considered the food capital of the world?

Rex: I might guess New York City. You can get food from almost any country there.

Garrett: Well, I would agree that New York might be the food capital of the United States. But according to a 2022 magazine article, Bologna, Italy was voted the food capital of the world.

Rex: How interesting. How did it get that honor?

Garrett: Well, it was a combination of top restaurants and traditional foods that come from there like spaghetti bolognese and parmesan cheese. 

Rex: I love both of those things, especially together. Now, if we say something is a food capitol, there could be different opinions about it.

Garrett: Hmm. Unlike a political or government capitol city, a food capital, music capital, fun capital, etc., could change.

Rex: For example, you could also say Tokyo is the food capital of the world or dining capital. Why? Because it's the city with most Michelin star restaurants.

Garrett: Ooo. I should plan a trip there. So we use the word capital to say that a city is famous for something or that the city is one of the leading places with that feature. 

Rex: It can also be the place something came from originally.

Garrett: Yeah. In the US, Austin, Texas has been called America's live music capital. But people in Nashville, Tennessee would say their city is the music capital.

Rex: Other places might also say they are the birth place of a certain kind place of music, like New Orleans for jazz and New York for hip pop.

Garrett: Well, friends. Would you consider your home town or city to be a capital of something? Think about it. Maybe, it's a special place. 




Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Dealing With Peer Pressure (2)

Nancy: Any advice would be helpful. I can't help Lizzie when I'm not there.

Peggy: Try this: When she's in a tricky situation, have her text you a special code word.

Nancy: And the code word means she needs help?

Peggy: Yes. When she texts you the code word, you can call and make an excuse for her to come home.

Nancy: Did you do that with your kids?

Peggy: Yes. When my son encountered negative peer pressure, he would text me.

Nancy: That's a good tip, Peggy. Peer pressure is so awful.

Peggy: Well, not always. Peer pressure can be positive.

Nancy: How so? (In what way?)

Peggy: A few years ago, I helped my son devise a study group with his friends.

Nancy: Oh?

Peggy: I set up an area in my home with snacks, and kids came over.

Nancy: How is that positive peer pressure?

Peggy: As they studied, they started encouraging each other to do better. They pushed one another to be more diligent and focused. 

Nancy: Hmm. I wonder if I could do something like that. 

Peggy: Give it a try! Peers are the biggest influence in your teen's life. Try to make it a good influence!

Nancy: Thanks, Peggy! 


Info Cloud

Garrett: Hi friends, welcome to info cloud. Hey, how are you, Rex?

Rex: Uhh. I didn't get enough sleep last night. An old friend called me for help on dealing with a tricky situation at work.

Garrett: I see. Let's talk about the phrase "tricky situation." A tricky situation is a problem or issue that is difficult to deal with and needs careful attention. 

Rex: This phrase is a commonly used  collocation. The adjective "tricky", which means difficult or complicated, and the noun "situation" for a set of circumstances are often used together.

Garrett: Yeah, we can say: Henry's wife and mother-in-law do not get along, but live the same house. It is a tricky situation.

Rex: That would be a tricky situation indeed. A similar phrase to tricky situation is sticky situation. Both of these phrases mean you have a problem that is not easy to fix.

Garrett: Friends, how do you deal with tricky situations? Most of us will face tricky situations at one time or another. May we have the wisdom and tack to deal with them wisely.


Language Lab

tricky adj.
something that is tricky is difficult to deal with or do because it is complicated and full of problems
- Pat is in a tricky situation because two of her friends are mad at each other and talk to her about the other one.
- Learning to ride a bicycle can be tricky for kids, especially when they are just starting out. 
- Trying to find your way on narrow, winding streets in a part of town you don't know is very tricky when you're a tourist.

awful adj.
very bad or unpleasant SYN terrible
- The movie received such awful reviews that very few people went to see it in the theaters. 
- Lucas made the awful mistake of leaving his presentation materials at home and delayed the meeting by an hour.
- The heavy rain and strong winds made for an awful day at the beach.

devise v.
/dɪˈvaɪz/
to plan or invent a new way of doing something
- The entire team felt that the plan Adam had devised would help them sell more products.
- Brad devised a method to make learning math fun for his students.
- The diet devised by Britt's doctor helped her lose a significant amount of weight. 

diligent adj.
/ˈdɪlədʒənt/
someone who is diligent works hard and is careful and thorough
- It is not always the smartest people who do the best at their jobs, but the  most diligent.
- The marketing team was very diligent in preparing for their afternoon presentation.
diligently adv.
- Barbara worked diligently on her French homework because a test was scheduled for early the following week. 



Monday, February 19, 2024

Dealing With Peer Pressure (1)

Can peer pressure be a good thing? 

淺談「同儕壓力」 同儕壓力有可能是件好事嗎?

Once in a while, Peggy and Nancy meet at a coffee shop to chat. Nancy has a teenage daughter, Lizzie, while Peggy's children's are in their 20s. Nancy shares her concerns about Lizzie with Peggy. 

Peggy: Your life sounds like it's been going well, Nancy. How's Lizzie doing?

Nancy: Well, things have been rough for Lizzie.

Peggy: What's going on? Didn't she start high school a couple of months ago?

Nancy: She did. I'm worried she's hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Peggy: Why do you say that?

Nancy: Lizzie told me recently that she's been getting pressure to drink and do drugs.

Peggy: Wow. I can't believe she admitted that to you. 

Nancy: I know. That's the good part. I'm just worried that she will give in to the pressure.

Peggy: I understand. Peer pressure is extremely hard to stand up to.

Nancy: Did your kids struggle with it?

Peggy: Oh, yes, especially as teenagers. At that age, there's so much pressure to fit in.

Nancy: So, what did you tell them?

Peggy: There are several things I advised them to do. You could do the same with Lizzie.


Language Lab

teenage
adj.
of, being, relating to, or intended for teenagers

teenager n.
someone who is between 13 and 19 years old
- Teenage friendships are often influential in shaping a person's values in life.
- The teenage years are often marked with physical and emotional changes as teenagers go from childhood to adulthood.
- Many teenagers experience the challenges of balancing schoolwork, outside activities and a social life.

rough adj. 
1 a rough period is one in which you have a lot of problems or difficulties SYN tough
- The Carlton kids had a rough childhood as they barely had enough money for food.
- After a rough day at work, Levi looked forward to a relaxing evening at home. 
NOT SMOOTH having an uneven surface OPP smooth
- The ground was so rough that our bikes bounced all over it.

give in phrasal verb
to finally agree to do or accept something that you had at first opposed, especially because someone has forced or persuaded you to
- Even though she was trying to lose weight, Jane gave in and had some strawberry ice cream when she got home from school.
- The roof of the old house finally gave in during the storm.
- Olive's mother finally gave in to her pleas to spend the afternoon with her friends.

advise v.
to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you know more than they do about something
- Patty advised Cora not to wear her yellow dress to the wedding because it was too casual.
- Katy's parents advised her to attend the college that offered her the biggest scholarship.
- Laura was advised to save 10 percent of her salary every month, but she likes to shop too much. 


Info Cloud

Rex: Hello friends, welcome to info cloud. Garrett, what is one of your favorite quotes on friendship? 

Garrett: Hmm, well, one of my favorite friendship quotes is "Friends love at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." 

Rex: That's a good one. It's from the Bible, and was written by King Solomon nearly 3000 years ago. The first part "Friends love at all times" just means true friends will be with you in good times and bad times. 

Garrett: Yes. The second part "a brother is born for adversity" is my favorite part. It's not referring to a brother who's your brother by blood, but a friend who becomes like a brother to you in hard times.

Rex: A friend who supports you and stays by your side in adversity or hard times becomes like a brother to you. Because family members are suppose to stick together in good and hard times. 

Garrett: So a brother is born for adversity means difficult times prove who are your true friends. And, true friends become just like family. Brothers and sisters.

adversity n.
/ədˈvɜːsəti/
a situation in which you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad luck