My Fan-Study Notes

Don't Forget Your Vitamins

2014-01-24T18:41:00.006-08:00

Is it really beneficial to take vitamin pills on a regular basis?
怎樣吃最健康 - 定期服用維生素丸劑真的對人有益嗎？

Christopher and Shelly are chatting at they leave the office after work.
Christopher: I'm hungry! Do you want to go to the burger place and get something to eat?
Shelly: Sure. But I need to stop at the drugstore first. I need some vitamins.
Christopher: Why do you want to waste your money? Vitamin pills don't really help you.
Shelly: Chris, that's not true! Actually more people should take them because they play a vital role in good health.
Christopher: How?
Shelly: Many people don't eat healthy food and don't have a balanced diet. So a vitamin pill can provide some of the missing nutrients.
Christopher: I read, though, that it's better to get all your nutrients from food, not from pills.
Shelly: That's right. But a lot of people eat like you!
Christopher: What does that mean?
Shelly: Your diet consists of fast food and soft drinks. That's not healthy!
Christopher: Well...even if I wanted to take vitamins, it's too confusing with so many to choose from. How would I know which one to take?
Shelly: Check with your doctor.
Christopher: Why.
Shelly: For instance. Vitamin A is good for your eyes, Vitamin C helps your body heal, and Vitamin D strengthens your bones. And the list goes on. Your doctor can help you figure out what you really need.
Christopher: Maybe. But I still don't want to take too many pills.
Shelly: Well, a good start would be a multi-vitamin. It has lots of vitamins and minerals in it.
Christopher: I used to take multi-vitamins as a kid.
Shelly: Many kids do since they don't eat right.
Christopher: Which brings us back to may point that people should eat right. They need a healthy diet. Taking vitamins and other supplements is not a good substitute for a healthy diet.
Shelly: I know. But people don't always eat what they should. You're hungry- and where do you plan to go and eat?
Christopher: A burger place. But burgers are a good source of protein. Your body needs that.
Shelly: Burgers don't contain many of the necessary nutrients for your body.
Christopher: OK, then let's go and eat salad.
Shelly: Just take vitamins. That's easier. And vitamin pills are more concentrated, too.
Christopher: You get lots of each vitamin in a pill. But too much of one kind of vitamin isn't good for you.
Shelly: True. Too much of some vitamins can cause problems. But the amounts in multi-vitamins are just fine.
Christopher: Maybe. But I'm still hungry.Let's get something to eat at the Salad Palace.
Shelly: OK, but I'm still going to stop at the drugstore first.

Grammar Gym:
"And the list goes on." - the speaker could say more or give more examples, but choose not to.
Old Mr. Lee always complains whenever he's sick: The weather is either too hot or too cold, his back hurts, his allergies are bothering him- and the list goes on.
There's always so much to do during the holiday season: Presents to buy, decorations to put up, parties to plan, activities to attend - and the list goes on.
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"Which brings us back to my point." - what was just said matches or supports a point that the speaker has mentioned earlier.
Everyone seems to think this project is worth doing. However, people are worried about spending too much money which brings us back to my point of needing to choose projects that are not too costly.
There are so many places that we can go and visit when we're in Rome which brings us back to my point that if we want to make the most of our time there, we need to plan carefully.

Vocabulary Tips:
vital - 至关重要的。极其重要的。不可或缺的。"vit"-有‘生命’之意。
*The witness gave vital information about the suspect to the police.
vital "to" someone.-对谁很重要用"to"。
*Exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep are vital to one's health.
nutrient (n)-营养物，养分。
*The soil is rich in nutrients which are essential for plants.
*Calcium and iron are the nutrients that expecting moms need most.怀孕的母亲们。。
nutritious (adj) -有营养的。
*Mom's food is not only nutritious but also tasty.
consist - contain, with.-包含，含有。
consist of - with what use "of", consist of. consist and of always go together.
*The conference consists of seminars and workshops.
*The job consists of traveling and making presentations
*The board consists of twelve members.
strengthen -加强，强化，巩固。 "strength "-力量。
*the structure of this old church needs to be strengthened.
*Security procedures for our computers were strengthened to protect the bank's data.
diet - eat and drink of normal food. 饮食。
balance diet- 均衡的饮食。
healthy diet- 健康饮食。
on diet - eat and drink certain food and watch the amount of calories and volume take in. I am dieting, I am on diet. 节制饮食。
too many ....to choose from - there are many something for you to choose from.
substitute -替代，代替的人或东西。
substitute for - 代替for 某个人或某样东西。
*We need to find a substitute for tonight's performer. He called in sick today.
*Yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream because it is low in fat.
protein -蛋白质。
*Athletes need to eat a high protein diet to build their muscles.
*Soybean milk is rich in protein.
*White meat such as chicken and fish are good sources of protein.
contain -包含，含有，容纳。
*Burgers don't contain many of the nutrients your body needs.
*The energy drink contains a Vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
container - something that can contain things.容器。
airtight containers -真空容器。
concentrate -集中，浓缩。
*Most of the country's population is concentrated in the coastal areas.
concentrated (adj) -浓缩的，集中地。
concentrated juice.浓缩果汁。
*We finished the project with concentrated effort.全神贯注的。。
multi- something - "multi" - more than one, many. multi-color, multi-task, multi-Vitamins.
multi task - 多重的工作项目。"task" -工作事项。
*Mom is a multi-task position, she need to do a lot of things at the same time.
used to do something as a (something) kid, student.....-when you are as a kid you were doing something.
a good source of something (education, entertainment....)
too much of something can be bad for you - something is good but when you take too much it will be not good for you, may hurt you.
*Water or salt is good for you, but if you take too much or too quickly, it can be bad for your health.
just fine - it's okay, not bad.
supplement - extra, add to it.
regular basis - routine, daily basis, weekly basis etc.

Language Tips:
take medicine - not "eat medicine" -吃药。
take -有“摄取，接受，服用“之意。
drink soup - if the soup is in a cup or thermos. use "drink"喝汤，汤盛在杯子里或保温杯内，美国人说drink soup。
eat soup - I eat my soup with my bread (bread deep in the soup) or use utensil to bring food into our mouth. 食物要用汤匙，叉子或手等从碗里取出放入口中的，美国人才说“eat ”。
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burger place - a place serves hamburgers.
burger - refer to hamburger or cheeseburger in U.S.A. contains beef.
chicken or fish inside instead of beef we call " chicken sandwich, or fish sandwich" we don't call "chicken burger or fish burger" in U.S.A.
hamburger (countable noun) - refer to hamburger.
I want a hamburger.
hamburger ( uncountable noun) - refer to ground beef sales in supermarket. 碎绞牛肉
ground beef - grind beef to become ground beef. 碎绞牛肉。
grind -研磨。
ground - grind -研磨的过去式。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Industries to Watch

2014-01-22T15:37:00.002-08:00

Exciting things are happening in these five industries
獨領風騷的亮點產業 - 這五項產業正有著令人興奮的發展.

While news about the economy isn't always good, there are some unmistakable bright spots. Whether you're interested in investment or a future career, these five industries are worth watch.

Wearable Computers
From desktops to laptops to smartphones, computers have steadily evolved into smaller and more portable devices. Now wearable computers, digital accessories that you wear, are becoming increasingly common. Smart watches, Google Glass and shoes with digital sensors are already on the market. And while these devices might not be able to replace your laptop, they are most certainly working with it to create a dynamic and mobile computing ecosystem.

Online Education
Online classes aren't new, but for many years they've suffered from a reputation of being not quite the equivalent of "real" courses. That's slowly changing. The cost of higher education is skyrocketing just as people need to gain new skills and update their current ones. This new focus on skills rather than credentials has manifested itself through the huge popularity of massive, open, online course (MOOC) providers such as Coursera, Undacity and EdX. And it doesn't hurt that those platforms provide courses from top universites such as Standord, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania.

Specialty Travel
The travel industry is growing, but it's also changing. People are flying more and renting more cars but spending less on hotels and restaurants. More of the travel business is moving online, and today's travelers are increasingly drawn to personalized, high-quality experiences. Services like Airbnb, which provides a platform for people who want to rent unused living spaces to short-term guests, are growing. So are companies that specialize in luxury or adventure travel to unusual places.

3-D Printing
This technology has already had a big impact on small businesses that focus on specialized work. Now, its influence is growing. NASA, for example, plans to put a 3-D printer on the International Space Station. And with corporate heavyweights like General Electric, UPS and Staples throwing their support behind the technology-3_D printing is an industry to watch.

Health and Wellness
An important part of living a high-quality life comes from being healthy. As a result, businesses that focus on providing products and services that promote health and wellness are booming. Moe importantly, the industry is proving to be very robust- it even thrived during the economic downturn. It's also very versatile with everything from health clubs to supplements to fitness apps prospering.

Grammar Tips:
"And it doesn't hurt that those platforms provide courses from top universities such as Stanford, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania."
"it doesn't hurt" - "doesn't hurt" - no feeling of pain.
"it doesn't hurt " - it is an advantage, not bad at all.
Darren doesn't want to quit his job. The pay is good, the location is convenient, and it doesn't hurt that his company sends him to Hawaii every year.
Henry likes his new class. The teacher is great, the classroom is new, and it doesn't hurt that the girl sitting next to him is very cute.
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"And with corporate heavyweights like General Electric, UPS and Staples throwing their support behind the technology- 3-D printing is an industry to watch."
"With (noun 1) like (examples of noun 1) -(subject) + (verb).
With （children-friendly dishes） like （chicken nuggets, and pizza） - （this restaurant) ( is) sure to please young picky eaters.
With (classic songs) such as ( "Amazing Grace" and "Silent Night") - (the choir's performance) this evening will certainly (delight) the audience.

Vocabulary Tips:
equivalent -同样价值或相等的东西。'equi"-有‘相等“之意。
sensor -感应器。 'sens'-“感觉，感应”
manifest -显示，表示，证明，展现。
manifest (adj)-明显的，显而易见的。
suffer from a reputation of something - hurt from being a bad impression.
specialty -特性，特点，特殊项目。
*One of the restaurant's specialties is its mouth-watering appetizers.
specialty travel -个性化的旅游。照某人的要求条件特定的。
specialize -专门从事，专攻。
specialize in -专门从事，专攻于in 某个领域。
*The designer specializes in luxurious evening gowns.
*This chef specializes in French cuisine.
corporate -公司，企业。
*Oliver's team is in change of corporate finances.
*The charity campaign successfully promoted its corporate identify.
corporate -全体的（员工），公司全体的，共同的，共同拥有的。共有的。
*Creating a positive working environment should be our corporate responsibility.
robust -坚固，强壮的。
*The company's products are robust and durable.坚固而耐用。
*Even though Grandpa is already 80, he's still robust and energetic.坚固而活力充沛。
bright spot - many things are bad, but there is some good things.
from something to something to something else.- from one thing to another to something else, from desk computer to Laptop to smart phone.
on the market - things is available to be sold.
something is on the market - something that is for sale.
wearable - put on your body, you carry it.
short-term - a short period of time, a few days, one or two weeks.
long-term - a long period of time, a few month, a half year.
....more ....but....less - the new promotion sold more products but make revenue less than last quarter.
weighted - refer to some big companies that powerful, large, and a lot of influence to people and industries.
quality life - live in full and comfortable life with good health.

Language Tips:
emphasize -加强语气，强调
While news about the economy isn't always good, there are some unmistakable bright spots.
英文要讲的道地，不但要有大量的字，辞彚，正确的发音及文法。还要会活用加强语气词。如"are " 来强调“有”，“还有”。
While news about the economy isn't always good, there are definitely some unmistakable bright spots.
“definitely”- 来强调，“不但有”，还“确定是有的”
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She has an MBA but she wants to be a medical doctor.
定冠词 a / an 的用法：以发音为准，字首发“母音”的，不管字首拼音是子音或母音，都用an 。
an hour -
an MBA - "M" 发‘am"，法母音，虽是字音拼音，也要用“an“。

定冠词 a / an 的用法：以发音为准，字首发“子音”的，不管字首拼音是子音或母音，都用a 。
a uniform
a university.

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Winter Accessories

2014-01-22T12:14:00.001-08:00

Discover this season’s hot new looks
冬季酷炫時尚風 - 一起來探索本季熱門的全新裝扮.

When Old Man Winter blows in, we often start looking for our warmest clothing. But in our effort to stay warm, we shouldn't forget about fashion. In fact, the fashion industry has introduced some beautiful accessories and colors for the 2014 season!

Gloves
This season's gloves not only keep your hands warm but also can be a beautiful winter accessory. Elbow-length gloves haven't been popular since the 1960s, but they're back. They're being paired with coats, dresses and pants. Leather and real fur are just a couple of the material they are made of. To update them, some gloves have been given long side zippers.

Scarves
The popular new looks for scarves are flower designs, animal prints and exciting winter colors. Men and women alike will enjoy this season's scarves in fur and lightweight wool. If you can buy only one new accessory this winter, make it a scarf.

Warm winter fashions
Fur headbands are nice and practical because they guarantee warmth and look pretty. This season you'll even see them worn around the neck like a fur collar or scarf. Real fur is enjoying popularity once again, but fake fur can be just as soft and warm. It's also a much kinder choice for the animals.

Hats are trendy this season with lots of designs for men and women to choose from. Both will enjoy berets, caps, turbans, knitted hats, fedoras and more. With such a wide selection to choose from, you'll find one that's right for you.

Winter's hottest colors
During the winter months, nature often lacks color, but 2014's fashion colors are rich and bright. Shades of green, from dark to very light green, are popping up in fashion shows. Deep blue, beautiful purple and rich red also make the list for exciting winter colors! This season, no matter what you wear, do it in style!

Grammar Gym:
"But in our effort to stay warm, we shouldn't forget about fashion."
"In our effort to....we shouldn't ......" - something important you should done, you shouldn't forget something else.
"In our effort to " , "We shouldn't " - try work hard for something. 。。。shouldn't do something else.
In our effort to encourage people to save trees and use less paper, we shouldn't be printing too many leaflets and flyers ourselves.
In our effort to meet the deadline, we shouldn't compromise the quality of our work.
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"Hats are trendy this season with lots of designs for men and women to choose from."
" (subject) + (verb) with lots of (something) to choose from. "
(The language center) will be (open) this summer (with lots of courses) for community members (to choose from).
(The restaurant) ( has) a new menu (with lots of seafood dishes) for guests (to choose from).
(The ice cream store) (offers) fifty different ice cream flavors (with lots of toppings) (to choose from).

Vocabulary Tips:
fashion-时装，时尚。
*As the editor of a top fashion magazine. Chloe dresses like a model every day.
fashionable (adj) -流行的，时髦的。
*The star's fashionable hairstyles are imitated by his fans.
elbow-手肘，衣服的手肘部位。肘部。
*He bruised his elbow while mountain climbing.伤，受伤。
*The athletes wore elbow pads to protect themselves during the game. 护肘。
*The elbows of this suit jacket are worn through. 外套的肘部磨穿了。
update -最近的，更新，使现代化。
*The company decided to update the equipment in their factory.
*David is updating his schedule.更新行事厉。
*We'll keep you updated. 告知最新消息。
zipper (n)-拉链
*The zipper on that little boy's jacket got stuck.
zip (v) -拉拉链。
*Don't forget to zip up your jacket! It's cold outside.
accessory - something extra to match your clothing.
Old Man Winter - refer to very cold winter.
Not only.....but also....- there is one more good or bad thing and more to talk about it.
pair (something) with (something) - to match, go well with something.
in fashion / out of fashion - is popular/ not popular, out of trend.
alike - two different things are like.
fake - look like real but not real.家的，仿冒的。
*The fake watches were sold at the same price as the genuine ones.仿冒
*The birth certificate was proved to be fake.证明是伪造的。
fake (n) -骗子。
*This guy said he's an artist from France, but actually he's a fake.骗子
knit - 编织。
*Grandma loves to knit and sew.
knitted/knitting- 编织
*Wilma spent the whole weekend knitting sods for her grandson.
knitted (adj) - a hand-knitted sweater.手工编织的毛衣。
rich (adj) - wealthy, here refer "abundance, strong in something."富有的，此指“强烈，饱满，浓郁的”。
*...but 2014's fashion colors are right and bright.色彩以强烈，明亮为主。
*Rich and glossy red is the theme of this name brands' winter collection.
rich (adj) -饱满，浓郁的
*This sauce is rich and tasty.这酱汁时有浓稠又美味。
style -风格，品味。
*This fashion designer's styles are highly recognizable.
in style -流行的，成功的，别具风格的。
*Sandra Bullock is always dressed in style whenever she appears in public.
brighten someone's day -make someone feel good and have a happy day.
to push the limit of something - to make most out of something. try all you can.
trendy - describe something that is hot (popular) right now.流行，趋势，潮流。
pop up - suddenly appear, appearing unexpected.
no matter what - don't care at all. whatever happen will not change or effect his plan.

Language Tips:
the warmest clothing : 最温软的衣物。
clothing / clothes -衣服。
clothing - much clothing. （不可数）用much。
clothes - many clothes. （可数）但clothes前不能加任何数字。且都用复数，不能用单数。
How much clothing should I bring?
article / item - 几件衣服要用article / item 来说。+ clothing.
I'm wearing three items of clothing.-我穿了三件衣服。
How many clothes should I bring? 腰带多少衣服。
Just bring some clothes.一些。
Don't bring a lot of clothes, just some light clothing。不用多，一些轻软的（薄的）即可。
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fashion shows :时装秀
runway/catwalk -伸展台。
runway -飞机的跑道，时装秀的伸展台。（一般指私人的，展示给少数特许观众，但是现今catwalk和runway二者可互用。）
catwalk -时装秀的伸展台。（公开的，给大家观赏的）

Notes taking of Studioclassroom.

Benedict Cumberbatch

2014-01-20T01:04:00.001-08:00

Just like his name, he’s one of a kind
千面英雄班奈狄克?康柏拜區 -人如其名，他是如此獨一無二.

Benedict Cumberbatch is an actor - simple as that. The story of his becoming one is not amazing or inspirational but really just natural. It's the daring choices of this unique individual that make him someone worth watching.

Choosing range, not renown
Cumberbatch challenges himself at every turn, playing hero (TV's Sherlock), villain (Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit) or maybe both (The Fifth Estate). In this variety of roles, he has proved himself very capable at each but finds adjusting to fame much more puzzling. Cumberbatch jumped at the chance to learn the violin as Sherlock and asserted his ability to capture the dragon Smaug's motions as well as its voice.

However, when it comes to an obsessed fan tweeting his every move in his apartment, he's at a loss. And who wouldn't be? Fame is a weird one," he says, "People see a value in you that don't see yourself." It must be all the weirder for an actor like Cumberbatch, now 37, who worked for many years without instant recognition in public. With his experience, he knows as well as anyone that success is very possible without it.

Choosing diligence
Even before Cumberbatch became a rather long and silly-sounding houehold name, the parts he played showed that he was a quality actor. In fact his first leading character on screen, after a couple years of TV work, came with Hawking, about the world-famous physicist in his younger years. He undertook extensive preparation for the role, including meeting Stephen Hawking and others with his disease, which probably contributed to his BAFTA nomination for the part. Hard work may be the primary reason that Cumberbatch is constantly cast as highly intelligent men, including TV roles Sherbock Holmes and Vincent Van Gogh.

Choosing excitement
But Cumberbatch wants no one thinking that he's like his brilliant characters, nor does he want to be stuck playing them forever. However, his mom says he is rather like Sherlock though he thinks that's probably because of his impatience rather than his intellect. Still, Cumberbatch's abilities show he possesses some intelligence, as well as being very adventurous, using extreme sports as a way to escape. After experiencing a terrifying carjacking, he used skydiving to recover from the shock, which makes sense considering his age at the time.

Choosing focus
Cumberbatch admits to a lack of concentration during much of his schooling. "I was always performing, doing silly voices. The teachers realized I could go one of two ways: be creative or destructive." As it ended up, Cumberbatch went both ways, being creative on stage and destructive on the rugby field. No one was surprised that he took to acting, his parents being professional actors themselves, though they wanted him of inconsistent work. Cumberbatch considered studying law, which his parents encouraged, but took a gap year and taught English in Tibet first.

Choosing fulfillment
Upon his return, he launched into university theatrical programs for drama and classical acting instead of law. His parents' full support didn't come until they saw him in a play, and his dad said, "You're better than I ever was or will be." After finishing his education at 24, he plunged directly into theater, performing Shakespeare and other classic plays. From there it was awards, TV, movies and fame, but life experience is what really satisfies Benedict Cumberbatch. "I've seen and swam and climbed and lived and driven and filmed," he lists, "I really have lived five thousand time over."

Grammar Gym:
"However, when it comes to an obsessed fan tweeting his every move in his apartment, he's at a loss."
"When it comes to " - regarding, when a situation involves.
Sunny is usually careful with her diet, but when it comes to ice cream she loss control.
When it comes to choosing between his family or his work, Henry always puts his family first.
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"a way to escape."
"escape" - find some way to be free and to run away.
"a way to escape " - a method in which a person can take a break from something that is stressful or very busy.
A lot of people like to put on headphones and listen to music as a way to escape.
Whenever Catherine has free time, she likes to read as a way to escape.
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"No one was surprised that he took to acting"
"took to" - to take to, to really like "something".
"To take to + (verb-ing) :
While Lisa was at camp, she enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities and really took to mountain biking.
" to take to + (noun)
The new babysitter is very good, and it's no wonder the kids really took to her.

Vocabulary Tips:
villain -小说或戏剧中的恶棍，坏人，反派人物。bad guy in the movie.
*The villain in "Peter Pan" is Captain Hook.
*The actor played the villain in the film and got nominated for Oscar. 提名
assert (v) -显示，确定，确认。
*The boss asserted his authority by deducting people's salaries for tardiness.
assert -坚决申明立场。
*Derek is very shy. He needs to learn how to assert himself more. 坚持自己的立场。
extensive -广泛的，大量的，极大地。
*The team did extensive research before reaching its conclusion.
The hurricane caused extensive damage.
extensively (adv)-广泛地。
*This political issue has been extensively discussed lately.
cast- 戏剧或电影的选角，分配角色。
*The actor was cast as a self-righteous lawyer in the film.
*The director cast the multitalented girl as the leading lady in the musical.
intellect -智力，理解力，聪明才智。
*Bob is humble even with such tremendous intellect.
intellect -拥有聪明才智的人。
*This intellect is highly respected by his colleagues.
carjacking -劫车，劫车事件。
*The driver was attacked during a carjacking.
carjacker - 劫车者。
*The carjackers were wearing masks, so nobody could identify them.
schooling - 求学期间。
destructive -具有破坏性的，有害的。 'de' -“向下“之意 'struct'-建造。
*The negative thoughts you're having are very destructive.
*The destructive power of a nuclear bomb is unimaginable.
inconsistent -不一致的，矛盾的，反复无常的。 'in' -“否定”之意 'consistent' -一致的。
*Richard's inconsistent leadership confused his employees. 反复无常的领导方式。
inconsistent with - 与什么。。不一样，不符，用 “with”
*The witness's testimony was inconsistent with the other witnesses.
theatrical -戏剧性的。舞台剧的。
*This film is considered the best theatrical production of the year.
theatrical -戏剧性的，很夸张的。
*Martha is very theatrical when she gets emotional.
plunge - drop in, get deeply jump from cliff, not able to come back. 投入，掉入。
*The lifeguard plunged into the sea and swam toward the drowning child.
*Nathan plunged into the online shopping business after retirement.
jump at the chance- say "yes" when the chance it comes, take the opportunity, catch the chance.
stuck - trap, no escape from it.
possess - own, a part of you.
escape - leave the place where you are.
lock up - tied up.
contribute (idea, time, clothing, things and money etc.) - to give out something to people.
all the ...- all the weirder - how much more of people knows.
......as well as anyone - he will know because he has experienced.
diligent / diligently - work hard.
lack of something - you need it but you don't have it.
lack of knowledge, lack of money, lack of wisdom, lack of information.
admit to....- something you did, you don't want to say it but you brave to tell people that it is you did it.
to take to something or someone - talk about something or someone you really enjoy or like.
focus - keep eyes on something.
upon - talking about what happen at a certain time.
obsess - 担忧，过度看重，着迷（常用被动语态）被什么迷住了用"with".
at a loss -have no idea, not sure what to do or what to say or what to response. "loss" -丧失，损失。
at a loss for words- speak-less.不知道该说什么才是。
*He is at a loss. 不知所措。

Language Tips:
paparazzi -狗仔队。
The paparazzi and the fans were waiting for the star outside the fancy restaurant.
paparazzi -集合名词，用作（代表）多数时，前面要加上定冠词“The”。
The paparazzi -一群，一些狗仔队。
paparazzo- 单一的一个狗仔队。
---------------------------------------------------------
stage name -艺名
Tom Cruise （艺名） -Thomas Mapother IV （本名）
Merrily Malone （艺名）- Norma Jean Baker （本名）
leading actor (role) / supporting actor (role, character)- 主角/配角，帮衬的。
--------------------------------------------------------
superlative -文法中的最高级。重音在第二音节。
such as "fastest, shortest, smartest."
superlatives -指“毕业册上同学们选出的风云人物。
superlative section -风云人物一段，一页。
superlatives such as:风云人物们如：
"the most creative" -最有创意的人。。
"most likely to succeed" -最有可能成功的人。。
"most athletic" -最具有运动员相的人。。
"most theatrical" -最有戏剧细胞的人。。
"most funniest" -最诙谐的人。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Anything but Normal!

2014-01-17T03:42:00.002-08:00

How one actor inspires normal people to do crazy things
挑戰國際尋寶遊戲！ - 看看這名演員如何激勵正常人做瘋狂的事.

Actor and Twitter celebrity Misha Collins has a unique sense of humor. Ask anyone who's participated in the annual, week-long scavenger hunt he organizes. Called GISHWHES, or Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen, the event involves completing tasks for points. The tasks range from heart-warming - giving hugs - to just plain weird - making clothes out of cheese!

The 15-member teams supply photos or videos to prove they've completed tasks. Teams must provide exactly what's requested to get full points. If the list calls for a photo with a real Oscar-winning actor, the team must somehow find one. And the actor must be holding the Oscar!

Truly great and international
In 2012 GISHWHES set the world record for largest media scavenger hunt with 14,580 participants. To date, GISHWHES participants have come from 94 countries. Often teammates never meet, communicating only over the internet. Sometimes having teammates from other countries is a good thing. For example, when a task calls for visiting a museum in Spain, it helps to have a teammate who resides there!

Up, up and away!
Some tasks are like silly science experiments. Participants in 2011 were challenged to tie helium balloons to a Christmas tree and make it float. One team's tree flew so high that it made the nightly news report! Apparently, the tree was never seem again.

Spreading kindness
Kindness is a theme that gets repeated a lot during the event. In fact, kindness is something that GISHWHES has in common with Collins' charity - Random Acts. The goal of that charity is to change the world, one random act of kindness at a time. Last year, GISHWHES and Random Acts worked together to improve the life of a wounded U.S. veteran and his family.

Risking embarrassment
Sooner or later, team members need to risk looking silly. Last year list required participants to appear in public dressed as robots and pirates. Some participants say there's a benefit to all of this joking around. As one participant wrote on Facebook, "I was pushed out of my comfort zone, and I learned a lot about myself and my community."

Grammar Gym:
"To date, GISHWHES participants have come from 94 countries."
"to date" - currently, up to now.
To date, this scientist has written more research papers than anyone else from the research foundation.
The new manager wants a detailed report of all that we've accomplished to date.
To date, the brand new theme park has received over a million visitors already.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sooner or later, team members need to risk looking silly."
" to risk looking silly" -
'risk' - to make oneself be in a situation where there's a chance that something bad might happen.
" to risk + (verb-ing) "
Polly knew that if she took a second job she would risk not having time with her family.
Luis decided to report his coworker's dishonest behavior and risk getting called a snitch.

Vocabulary Tips:
sense of humor -幽默感。 'sense'-认知，意识，概念，感觉。
*Irene's sense of humor made her very popular at school.
sense of direction -方向感。
*Patrick lacks a sense of direction, so he gets lost a lot.
weird -奇怪的，怪异的，不可思议的。
*Hank's weird behavior caught everyone's attention.
*The weird family next door never talks to the neighbors.
participants -参与者，参赛人。
*All the participants are required to work in teams in order to win.
participate -参与
*We hope everyone can participate in our discussion.
reside (v) - 居住，住。"s" "z".
*The elderly people who reside in this building formed a chess club.
resident (n) -居民
*The residents of this community are mostly young couples.
apparently -明显地，显而易见的，显然。
*Apparently, the team has no chance of winning today since their strongest quarterback got hurt yesterday.
*Eric is apparently one of the most popular teachers at our school.
random -随机的，任意的。
*During a random inspection, we found that the sausages contained excessive chemicals.
*Random samples were picked for analysis.随机的样本。。。被那去分析。
randomly -随意地
*During the research, interviews were carried out with randomly selected subjects.随意地抽出来的对象作访谈。
pirate (n)-海盗
*The pirate ship in the film is an actual boat.
*Pirates used to roam this region years ago.
pirate (v) - 盗用，舍得，剽窃，仿冒。
*Many name brand products used to be pirated in Asia.
comfort zone -舒适的区域，安全舒适的范围。 "zone" -区域。
*Studying in a foreign country really forced me to step out of my comfort zone.
float - carry away by wind or water.
spreading a cold- pass on a cold to other people, and other people pass on to more people
spread like wildfire -passing on very quickly, everyone knows in second.
kindness - do something make other people's life easy.
roam -区域，横行。
embarrassing moment - a time that make you feel bad and embarrassing.
sooner or later - some event will happen in future, maybe right away, maybe take a while.
benefit- good side of something.
range from...to....- all kind of something, only able to list few.
just plain ...- simply, nothing else.
anything but something (normal) -anything but not do certain thing (normal).
week-long (adj), year-long, month-long, ..- refer to time frame.

Language Tips:
Some people suffer from acrophobia, or the fear of heights.
acrophobia -惧高症（学名）
or -或者，还是，此指“换言之”，常出现在深奥少见的字的字句中，用“or ”来加以解释前面句中提到的深奥少见的字含意。
GISHWHES or Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World has Ever Seen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
attend/participate- 参加。
attend a class -只是来上课，没有任何参与。not missing any class.
participate in class -动态的参与课堂上的活动。involve and active in class.
attend -静态的参与，出席。
participant -参与者，参赛者。
attendee -出席者。
attendant -服务员。
flight attendant -空服员。
gas station attendant -汽车加油站的服务员。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

The Decision

2014-01-17T03:03:00.003-08:00

I’m going to America!
交換學生日記：出發去美國, 我要去美國！

In ninth grade I was preparing for the Basic Competence Test for Junior High School Students. life was busy but not interesting. Then one day, my parents asked if I would be interested in attending an exchange program sponsored by Ayusa. This organization offers high-school students the opportunity to study abroad for one year. The students stay with host families.

So I obtained some information and decided this would be a great chance to improve my English. I could also experience different cultures and broaden my vision. But first I had to pass the SLEP ( Secondary Level English Proficiency Test). Then I had to fill out many forms and get a health check. That helps the families decide which student to host.

Ayusa helped with other procedures like fights. There was some fun during the process, too. For example, Ayusa held a prom. We practiced asking girls to dance. At first, we were all shy, but eventually everyone tried and had a great time!

Now, off I go!

Grammar Gym:
"At first, we were all shy, but eventually everyone tried and had a great time."
"At first we were all shy" , " Eventually everyone tried and had a great time."
" We can go to the beach to watch the sunset" , " we can drive into the mountains instead."
= "We can go to the beach to watch the sunset, or we can drive into the mountains instead."
"Timothy will handle the guest list, and Maurice is in charge of the food and decorations."

Vocabulary Tips:
competence - 能力，技能。
*Every new student is required to take an English competence test before the semester begins.
*Bob's professional competence in computer software is unquestionable.
broaden - 放宽，扩大，扩展。' broad' -广大的。辽阔的。
*The trip to Europe really broadened my horizons. 视野
*Brad's voluntary work in Africa broadened his life experiences.人生阅历。
procedure -程序，手续，步骤。
* All of the procedures required to apply for college are quite complicated.
procedure - 手术surgery.
*This minor surgical procedure took only an hour.外科手术。
proceed (v) - continue going on. 进行。
*The meeting proceeded after the short break.休息片刻后会议继续进行。
eventually -最后，终于，终究。
*After months of practicing, Timothy eventually was accepted by team.
*Evan though the couple is apart now, they believe they will be together eventually.
host family - the family host you.
prom - promenade.

Language Tips:
You reap what you sow.-种什么收什么。几分耕耘，几分收获。
reap -收获，收取。收割。
sow -耕耘，撒种。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Is there a place where Dreams Come True

2013-12-24T06:25:00.001-08:00

Christmas at Disney World!
迪士尼樂園美夢成真之旅 - 在迪士尼樂園歡度聖誕.

Every child has a dream. Little girls daydream about marrying Prince Charming and living happily ever after. Boys dream about staying in "Neverland," where they never grow up and can play all day. Is there a place where dreams come true? Well, for at least one or two days? The answer is yes - Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

This is definitely our most unique trip to Disney World because we are going to celebrate Christmas here. Mickey, Buzz Lightyear, Snow White and others will join us in the celebration. All four theme parks are decorated with lights and Christmas trees and decorations. Holiday joy is in the air. In addition to the regular entertainment, special Christmas parades and performances celebrate the season.

On our Animal Kingdom ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, we glimpse giragges and elephants in their natural environments. The live Festival of the Lion King show combines singing, dancing and acrobatics. The audience takes part in the program as if we were at the festival with the animals.

Movie lovers won't want to miss The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. We ae excited to watch some classic movie clips. Our all-time favorite - Star Wars. Star Tours, a motion-simulated space flight, gives us a chance to experience adventure in 3-D.

On Christmas Eve, Epcot holds a special celebration - the Candlelight Processional. A full orchestra with a mass chorus holding candles performs traditional Christmas music and songs. A famous person reads the Christmas story from the Bible.

At Magic Kingdom, the magnificent fireworks above Cinderella's castle light up the sky. And now, this dreamland is about to come to an end. Have your dreams come true yet? My children will grow up. We will get old. But the sweet memories our family is creating together here and now will stay in our hearts forever. My dream is to enjoy time with my family. And, today, my dream has come true.

Merry Christmas!

Grammar Gym:
"Holiday joy is in the air".
"in the air" - what everyone is thinking about.
Some say love is in the air during Valentine season.
After the great earthquake, there were several huge tremors and fear was definitely in the air.

Vocabulary Tips:
daydream (v) -做白日梦。
*Ruby always daydreams about marrying a rich guy and never having to work again.
daydream (n) -白日梦
*Tammy's daydream about winning the lottery never seems to change.
celebrate -庆祝。
*Friends and family all came together to celebrate Grandma's 80th birthday.
celebration (n) -庆典，庆祝。
*We're invited to the celebration of the company's 30th anniversary.
parade -游行，游行的行列。
*The Rose Parade on New Year's Day is a big thing for people in California.
parade (v) -行进。
*A military parade marched down the street.军乐队行进到街上。
*The marching band paraded up First Avenue.行进到。。。
take part in something - you participate in something.
take part in -参加，参与。（动词片语）
*Taking part in the science camp helped Samuel get interested in chemistry.
*Many organizations took part in the famine relief campaign.
clip- a small part of media (movie, music, TV show...even newspaper) 电影的片断。
*The movie clip really grabbed the audience's attention.
*They showed a clip of Matt Damon being chased by special agents.
clip -剪报
*Susie loves to clip recipes out of the newspaper.
motion-simulated : "motion"- 动作, 'simulate' -仿效，模仿，模拟
*The animators spent months mastering this motion-simulated software.
*The motion-simulated game is very popular among teens.
come to an end -结束，终止。
*Unfortunately, the party has to come to an end.
*After weeks, the cold war between the couple finally came to an end.
Have your dreams come true yet? 'come true' -（梦想）实现，成真。
*We'd always dreamed about having a greenhouse, but we never thought it would come true.
all time - so far there is nothing can compare with it.
chorus (choir ) - a group of people singing together in harmony.
Bible - there are 66 books talk about God's love, care, and will. biblical (adj).
both - tow of us.
all - must three or more people.
...as if....: as you look like...
here and now - refer to right at that moment.

Language Tips:
rhetorical question.- 修辞疑问句，不需要回答问题。1
hypophora -作者或演讲者提出一个问题，然后很快的自己回答来提醒人的注意。鼓励写作或讲演时能善用这种方法，
Is there a place where dreams come true?

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Planning for the Future

2013-12-23T02:06:00.003-08:00

Plan for all the possibilities
到夏威夷長住 - 為所有可能的狀況預作計畫.

Ben: Hey, Uncle Bob. how are you today?
Uncle Bob: I'm doing well, Ben. Actually, I have some big news to share with you.
Ben: What is it?
Uncle Bob: Well, your Aunt June and I are moving to Hawaii.
Ben: Hawaii? Why Hawaii?
Uncle Bob: We've always loved Hawaii, and now that we're retire, there's nothing to stop us from spending more time there. We've been contemplating a change of scenery for some time.
Ben: Wow, That is big news. Are you planning to keep your place here?
Uncle Bob: Sure. We've purchased a condo in Hawaii, but we're only planning to live there during the winter.
Ben: That's great, Uncle Bob. I can see Hawaii is beckoning, but I don't know what I'll do if you aren't around.
Uncle Bob: Thanks, Ben, but I doubt you'll need me that badly.
Ben: Seriously, Uncle Bob, I'm pretty sure my business will go under without your advice.
Uncle Bob: That's a bit premature. You've built that business with a lot of time and hard work.
Ben: I have put a lot of work into it, but there are still so many things I'm unsure of.
Uncle Bob: Like what?
Ben: Well, I still have lots of questions, and I'm really not sure which direction the company is headed.
Uncle Bob: What? I've read your business plan, and it was very clear.
Ben: Right. It was clear, but you'd be stunned by how much my industry has changed in the last year.
Uncle Bob: That's just the way business is, Ben.
Ben: I know, but what can I do about it?
Uncle Bob: Well, Ben, you need to take some initiative. You need to refocus on your business plan.
Ben: Refocus?
Uncle Bob: Sure. When we first talked about business plans, I told you that they need to evolve over time.
Ben: I get that. That's why I've worked hard to stay abreast of changes that are happening in the industry.
Uncle Bob: I know you have. But sometimes being aware of changes isn't enough. Sometimes you need to get ahead of the changes in order to stay relevant.
Ben: How do I do that?
Uncle Bob: I think the main thing is to look at prospective changes in your industry and to consider how you might deal with them.
Ben: You mean I should plan for things that might happen and not just react to things that have happened.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, Ben. You see, you don't need me at all.
Ben: I'll always need you, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: Then you'll have to come and visit Hawaii.
Ben: Now that's good advice!

Grammar Gym:
"I get that." - "get".
"I get that." - I understand that.
I didn't get one single thing in that meeting.
I'm sorry, I don't get that joke.
I got it! - when you finally find a way to solve a difficult problem what is bothered you for a long time, you can say: I got it!

Vocabulary Tips:
contemplate -seriously to thinking of something, consider about it for a long time.细细考虑或思量。
*For a long time, Timothy has been contemplating a career change.
*Nathan contemplated moving to the suburbs but give up the idea because of the long commute.
condo - condominium, a complex building.集合时管理的公寓住宅。
*Jacob and his wife and kids live in a condo near the beach.
condo / apartment -拥有产权的公寓/只租不卖的公寓。
beckon -calling you, attract to you. 召唤，招手（呼唤）吸引。
*The beautiful dress in the window is beckoning me.
*The long, sandy beach is beckoning swimmers and sunbathers. 日光浴的人
premature -not about time yet, too early of something. 未成熟的。 'pre' -在。之前，以先。 'mature' -成熟。
*The premature baby stayed in the incubator for a week. 早产的婴儿。。保温箱。
*It's still too premature to predict who's going to win the election.
a change of something (living environment, job...) - make some changes at something.
go under - falling, failing, sink.
put a lot of something into something - put a lot of (time, afford, energy..) into work, project, practice...
initiative -take first step, do before people tell you to do, step ahead. take care of something before the thing became an issue. 主动，积极行动。
*Will is going for an interview tomorrow and took the initiative to do some research on the company.
lost the initiative - 失去先机。
*We will lose the initiative by not investing in the development of new products.
breast -stay on top, not behind. 原本是并行，并肩，并排的意思。此为‘不落后的，跟得上的，跟上脚步的。
*We'll keep you abreast of the latest news.
*As a merchandiser, Sarah keeps abreast of new fashion trends.
relevant -related, important.相关的，有关的，有重要性的。
*Please keep your discussion relevant to the agenda.
*Your proposal is highly relevant to our company's future.
prospective -maybe not now but in the future might happen.未来的，将发上的。 'pro' -向前的 'pect'-看。
*We hope the new marketing strategy will bring a prospective increase in sales.
*The ad is aimed at prospective clients.
get ahead of something - do something before other people started to do, not just stay at the same place.
get ahead of something = to have in edge - to get on the top of something.
evolve - change gradually from one thing to another. 有进展的，延伸。。
over time - time after time, for a long process of time.

Language Tips:
news- uncountable noun. 新闻。不可数名词。前面不加 'a'. 不用‘many’, 要用‘ much, some.’ 而且动词要用单数 'is'。不要看到news有‘s’ 就以为是复数形。
Is there any news? No, there is not much news.
I have some big news to share with you.
Wow. That is big news.
news -不能用 "a", 只能用"piece" or "item/story/report 来说明某个条或那一则新闻 -
Did you see the news report about the train crash?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
be aware of something - 意识到有东西在那里或某事物的存在。。。
beware of something - there is some danger need to be alerted.小心，提防。。
aware of / beware of - sense/ alert. 小心，提防, 留意。
beware - careful, pay attention,
Beware of the dog.- 小心恶犬。
aware of dog -意识到。。。
be aware of the dog -意识到有狗在那儿睡觉。
Sometimes being aware of changes isn't enough. 有时只是意识到一些的变化是不够的。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom.

Coffee Culture

2013-12-20T03:05:00.002-08:00

Learn the language you need to order coffee
你喜歡tall的咖啡嗎？ - 來學學點咖啡所需的用語。

Could you order coffee in English or would you become tongue-tied? If you would, you might need a lesson in coffee language.

Size
If you order a small, medium or large coffee, they'll know what you mean. But you'll be considered an amateur. Instead, ask for a "tall", "grande" or "venti."

Coffee names
Espresso: a strong coffee made by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans.
Espresso Creme: espresso served with an ounce of cream.
Shot: a measure of espresso. You can add an "extra shot" to any coffee drink.
Cappuccino: espresso made with foamy milk on top.
Cappuccino Mochaccino: cappuccino with chocolate.
Latte: espresso made with steamed milk.
Latte Granita - espresso made with frozen milk and sugar.
Latte Mocha: latte with chocolate.
White coffee: coffee beans that aren't roasted as long as regular beans, resulting in a lighter coffee.
Decaffeinated: no caffeine in your coffee.
Skinny: espresso made with skim milk and sugar-free syrup.

The next time you order coffee, use some of your newly acquired language. If you order a "grande decaffeinated cappuccino mochaccino," you're certain to sound impressive!

Grammar Gym:
"If you order a 'grande decaffeinated cappuccino mochaccino,' you're certain to sound impressive!"
" certain to " - certainly or definitely.
If I show up late, I am certain to get in trouble.
The company is certain to launch their new product next month.

Vocabulary Tips:
amateur -not professional, lack of knowledge and skill, not really know too much about it.业余的人士，外行人，生手。 +'ish' =amateurish - (adj) not professional.业余的。
*You can tell the girl is just an amateur by the way she sings.
*Even though Claire is just an amateur, she acts better than many pros.
professional - opposite of amateur.职业的，专家。
pro - professional.
pros - some professional.
ground - grind 研磨，磨碎的过去式，过去分词。
grind - make something into powder.研磨，磨碎
*Gloria had the coffee beans ground by the store.
*The smell of freshly ground coffee fills the kitchen.
foamy -很多泡沫的，起泡的，泡沫很多的。 'foam' -thick bubble.泡沫
*We stood on the beach watching the foamy waves.
*My kids love a foamy bubble bath.泡沫澡
skim milk -脱脂牛奶。 'skim'-脱脂。
*Vivian drinks only skim milk to maintain her weight.
whole milk (whole fat milk) -全脂牛奶
low-fat milk -低脂牛奶。
half-and-half-一半奶精一半牛奶的。
are you tongue-tied? 'tongue-tied' - not sure what to say or someone got you not able to speak.
cat got your tongue - tongue-tied.
ground coffee - coffee got grind called ground coffee.
syrup - a thick fluid that very sweet taste. 糖浆。

Language Tips:
How do you take your coffee? 你要什么样的咖啡？而不是你如何把咖啡带走.
black -不加任何奶精，糖的纯咖啡。
with cream only.-只加奶精的
with cream and sugar.-加奶精和糖的
caffeinated -咖啡因的
decaffeinated coffee -无咖啡因的咖啡。
decaf - decaffeinated的简称。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

1919

2013-12-17T23:11:00.002-08:00

Their motto – To save, to save
帶來祝福的密碼：1919 （要救，要救）-他們的座右銘──救助再救助

The“1919 Relief and Service Network" can be found throughout the island of Taiwan. All of the 1000 churches involved help with one or more of the following programs.

Disaster relief program
In a matter of minutes, earthquakes and floods can destroy not only people's homes but everything they have. In times of disaster, people have found help and support through this program.

Emergency family relief program
What does an already poor family do when it doesn't qualify for government help but runs into an emergency situation? Ming-chung owns a small steamed-bun business in the south. He developed diabetes and then had several heart operations. As a result, he ended up with countless medical bills to pay, as well as rent and his children's tuition. Thankfully, 1919 stepped in and helped this family survive for several months while Ming-chung was unable to work.

The food bank
The 1919 Food Bank opened in 2011 and now serves nearly 4,000 families. Everyday staples such as soap, rice and oil are donated by individuals, factories or companies. Volunteers package these items, which are then distributed every two months to those in need.

After-school program for disadvantaged children
These young children are usually on their own after school. They come from broken homes, homes with working parents or no parents and homes with only a grandparent. Homes like these can provide only the basic necessities, meaning no after-school programs. These kids find hope in one of 1919's 204 after-school programs conducted in churches around the island.

The program's first goal is to help the children finish their homework. The teachers found that the program raises kid's confidence and helps them stay in school. Basic life skills such as bathing and good character traits, including honesty and respect, are also taught. Music, arts and crafts are included.

The community helps by donating vegetables or rice to ensure the students receive a nutritious meal. The kids wash the dishes afterward. The teachers visit each child's home to offer help if needed. In 2010, this program was extended to junior high students. "Collecting donations of any amount from friends and relatives is fulfilling. People give &1,000, $5,000 or more or less. Put together, it all adds up and helps tremendously," states Steven.

Vocabulary Tips:
disaster - 第一个‘s’发'z' 音，第二个‘ s’发‘ s’音。灾难，灾害。
*many people lost their loved ones in the disaster.
disaster- 悲惨的情况，惨剧。
*The couple's breakup turned into a disaster and both families were involved.
qualify -符合资格，使合格。
*A bachelor's degree doesn't necessarily qualify you for this position.
*Sean became qualified to be a teacher when he got his credentials five years ago.
diabetes (n)-糖尿病
*Daniel suffers from diabetes. He needs to take medication at each meal.
diabetic (adj) -糖尿病患者的，患有糖尿病的。
*diabetic foods.-适合糖尿病人的食物。
tuition -学费。fee for school.
*Elaine works as a waitress to earn money for her tuition.
*Tuition has increased by five percent at this university over the past three years.
*Few can afford the tuition of private high schools.
character trait - 'character' - 品格，性格。 'trait' -特质，特徵。
*One of Angela's character traits is her optimism. 乐观。
*Many say that a person's character traits are mostly formed during their childhood.
nutritious (adj)-有营养的。
*A nutritious diet can strengthen one's immune system.
nutrition (n) -营养。
*This cereal is high in nutrition and low in fat.
disadvantaged -贫穷的，使处于不利的状况。是disadvantage过去式，和过去分词。
disadvantage - 使除于劣势。
*The school offers free private tutoring for disadvantaged students.穷困家庭的孩子（学生）
broken home - 破碎家庭。'broken' -破碎。
*Geoffrey is from a broken home; that's why he has such low self-esteem. 如此缺乏自信。
*The pastor is helping these teenagers from broken homes develop their talents.

nature disaster - 天然灾害。

in a matter of something - in a matter of (time) year, month, days...迟早的事，只是时间问题。

step in - you get yourself involve to being helpful.

staples - staple - basic needs.

volunteer - serve without to get paid.

ensure - make sure, guarantee that will happen.

adds up - a little of here and there, all adds up or add up.

tremendously - great in number or amount, a lot, extremely.

Language Tips:
Acts of God -上帝的行为，作为。指‘天灾’。常在合约，契约中出现，以确保突发状况。
unforeseen circumstances -没有预料或想到的突发状况。
contingency -偶发事件。
scenario -设想，假设的情况。
The worst case scenario -所能想象到的最坏的情况。
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latchkey kids -钥匙儿童。指那些父母二人都上班，或是没父，没母的单亲孩子，头颈上挂一只大门钥匙，放学后自己开门，一个人在家的孩子。这些孩子通常都缺少自信心，也缺少人际互动及居家安全。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Holiday Movies for Everyone

2013-12-13T18:58:00.001-08:00

Holiday films really bring in the crowds
星光電影院應援團 - 聖誕新年檔期電影果然吸引觀眾蜂擁而至.

Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth .... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all! Many people watch films at home or online. But there is still nothing like seeing a film in a theater with other people. What awaits moviegoers this holiday season?

Science-fiction fans are excited about Ender's Game. The people of Earth must work together to save themselves after an alien war. They choose Ender Wiggen a smart, quiet boy, and send him to battle school. Everyone hopes he will be the one to save them all.

Chris Hemsworth is back as the poweful Thor in Thor: The Dark World. A young woman, Jane Foster, is threatened by evil beings. Thor must battle to save her.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finds Jennifer Lawrence returning as Katniss. She must go on a victory tour after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games. Preparations begin for the 75th annual Hunger Games. Those games could change Panem forever.

In the animated film Frozen, the kingdom of Arendelle lies trapped in winter. Anna's sister Elsa is responsible for the spell. Anna teams up with tough mountain man Kristoff and his reindeer Sven. They must find Elsa and save the kingdom before it's too late.

In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Bilbo and his friends have crossed the Misty Mountains. Now they must travel through Mirkwood Forest. But they must go without the wizard Gandalf. Will they make it to Lonely Mountain where the dragon Smaug guards the dwarfs' gold?

The film The Monuments Men is based on a true story. A group of art historians and museum people must work together. They race against time to get back some stolen artwork before Hitler can destroy it.

What was life like when dinosaurs walked on Earth? Find out in Walking with Dinosaurs. Viewers will feel like they are part of the dinosaurs' world. And some things in that world are very dangerous!

Action adventure 47 Ronin is set in 18th-century Japan. A group of samurai must avenge their master's death.

Adventure finds a most unlikely person in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter, a timid magazine photo manager, lives a quiet life. Exciting things only happen to him in his dreams. But when a negative disappears, Walter finds himself in a real-life adventure!

Audiences loved Mary Poppins, but the film almost didn't get made! The film Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of Walt Disney and author P.L. Travers. Disney talked her into allowing him to make a movie of her story.

Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star. Movie star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became Princess Grace. Grace of Monaco tells how she helped save Monaco from a looming French invasion in the early 1960.

These are a few of the films that offer you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful story this winter. Don't miss them!

Grammar Gym:
"Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth.... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all!"
"......" ellipses - acts like an em dash ( "-") to show that an additional idea is coming up.
I would like to take a trip.... anywhere is fine.
You can put all kinds of fruit on your shaved ice: strawberries, peaches, pineapple... anything you like.

Vocabulary Tips:
icy - fine ice. very cold, there is icy on the ground.
*Watch out for icy roads when you drive through this area.
*The swimmers bravely crossed the river in the icy cold water.
*Her icy look isolated her from everyone in the office.
await - wait for
*Nobody talked in the court while we awaited the arrival of the judge.
wait (v) for - await.
*Dean is waiting for his dad to pick him up.
threaten - make you scare by their act or word. 恐吓。
*The bully threatened to break the girl's toy if she didn't give him the money.恶霸
*The movie star received a threatening letter.
preparation - take time to get thing ready, spend time get all the preparing work done for something.
*Wedding preparations took the couple a lot of time.
*The launch of the new policy is now in preparation.
prepare (v) - get things ready ahead of time or before the event take place. 准备，预备。
*We prepared a surprise party for my mom.
tough - difficulty, strong, not easy going or rough.难度高的，艰难的，困苦的，很有毅力的，不屈不饶的。
*This aerobics class is too tough for beginners.
*Quitting his job was a tough decision for Peter.
*Brandon is a tough guy who's willing to face all sorts of challenges.硬汉。
desolation - dump and leave alone. abandon. 遗弃，凄凉，破坏，废弃了的。
*Bob found his old house in complete desolation.
*Sherry felt a sense of desolation when she left home and started living on her own.
historian - a person who study history. 历史学家。
*Historian are fascinated by the ancient culture of this tribe.
*The course introduces the history of the Roman Empire.
destroy (v) - ruin. 毁灭，摧毁。
*The city was totally destroyed by the bombing.
*Her confidence was completely destroyed when she was laid off.
destruction (n) - destroy.
*The destruction of rain-forests is causing a severe ecological disaster. 生态灾难。
avenge - pay it back in a bad way. take revenge to someone. 复仇。
*The boy swore to avenge his mother's murder.
avenge oneself on someone -为某人复仇。
*The policeman avenged himself on the man who killed his partner.
negative (adj)-负面的。
*negative thought.
negative (n) -拍照的底片，胶卷。
* I look the negatives to the photo shop to be developed.
*Chelsea still has the black-and-white negatives of her wedding photos.
audience (n) - people who watch movies or listen a peach or a music performance...观众。听众。
audio-听，与“听”有关的。
*The studio audience cheered when the producer gave them the signal.
*This popular band has audiences around the globe.
loom -a stress, a tense feeling of kind atmosphere around or upon you. 迫近，逼近，即将爆发的。
*With the super typhoon looming, all residents along coastal areas were evacuated.
*Suddenly a strange guy loomed out of the fog.
team up - work a project together with other people.
race against time - you don't have too much time, you need to finish something before the deadline, you need to hurry, no time to waste.
samurai - best warriors.
timid - very shy, not very out going.
talk ...into - make someone to agree with you.

Language Tips:
the sixties, the seventies,the eighties, the nineties - 60 年代，70年代， 80年代， 90年代。
the zeros, the nadas, the naughties, the O's, the zips -对20 世纪的称呼。
the naughties - came from “ naught” -
the first decade of the 21st century - the teens, the twenty-tens, the twenties. 对21 世纪的称呼，但还没真正定案。
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Spoiler alert - 爆雷，小心有雷，提醒别人有人忍不住要透露电影的情节或结局了，如果不想听，就可先行离去。
spoil -糟蹋，破坏。
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based on a true story -根据真实的故事
artistic license -虽是根据真实的故事，但是经导演改编过的（导演有art license 权利加多一些刺激好看的而神化故事中的主角。）
art license -不是什么证件，而是赋予导演一种有改编故事的权利。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

All About Bikes

2013-12-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Grab your bike and hit the road!
上山下海飛輪樂 - 騎上自行車上路吧！

When did you first learn to ride a bike? Even if it was long ago, chances are you still remember how. With bikes available for many different styles of riding, there's no excuse not to get out and ride!

Bikes for commuting
For getting to work, you'll want a bike that's comfortable and sturdy. Choose one that can handle going across holes in the road. Popular choices include mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, also known as cross bikes. Of the two, hybrids offer a more comfortable ride since they are lighter and have smoother tires. A cheaper alternative is a city bike. It may be less attractive, but it offers a more comfortable seat.

Bikes for exploring
For riding through mud and over rocks and surfaces that aren't paved, nothing beats a mountain bike! These bikes are designed to be ridden on dirt or rocky trails. They have low gears that help riders handle steep trails. Nearly all mountain bikes offer a front shock. Bikes with both front and rear shocks can handle large humps.

Bikes built for speed
If going fast is your goal, you'll want to choose a road bike. These bikes are lighter than other bikes, so riders can go faster. The downside is that their frames aren't made to handle riding over small holes in the road. But for pushing the limits of speed, nothing beats a road bike. The style of handlebars normally used on road bikes forces riders to bend forward while pedaling. This position offers less wind resistance and makes faster speeds possible. Road bikes come with more gears than other bikes, so riders can go up and down steep mountain roads more easily.

Bike care and maintenance
Whatever bike you choose to ride, bike company Merida suggests doing a few things before every ride. These include checking and greasing the chain, checking the tire pressure and testing the brakes. For new bikes, Merida recommends an inspection after three to six weeks of riding. The reason? Several parts on the bike will shift and change, so fixing them will help your bike last longer.

Getting the appropriate fit
Choose a bike with a frame height that fits your body. When you are standing over the bike, there should be a comfortable distance between the top bar and your body. The recommended distance is 25 to 50 millimeters for road bikes and 40 to 100 millimeters for mountain bikes. Next, adjust the seat height. Getting the right height will help you feel comfortable while pedaling. Move the seat until your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point.Finally, adjust your bike's handlebars so that you can reach them with your elbows slightly bent.

Supporting the biking community
If you're eager to start riding, Merida sponsors several community activities that help spread the love of biking. This past summer, they sponsored a bike DIY camp for youth in Taipei. Participants gained experience in bike assembly and maintenance as well as learned proper riding techniques. The company also encourages bicyclists to ride in 1919's annual charity bike event.

Whether you're young or old, there's nothing like biking. Get out and pedal today!

Grammar Gym:
'chances are' - probably.
Even if it was long ago, you probably still remember how.
Chances are it's going to rain.
Chances are he's still on his way.
I don't think I should call my friend; chances are he's in bed already.

Vocabulary Tips:
hit - 打击。
hit the road - get start it, get going, 上路，出发。
*If we don't hit the road now, we're not going to reach our next stop before sunset.
hit/hit/hit/hitting: 现在式/过去式/过去分词/现在分词。
*I want to stay longer, but I guess I need to be hitting the road now.
commute - travel from home to work or school, travel from one place to another place. 通勤，通车。
*Darren commutes between New Jersey and New York every day.往返通勤于。。。
commute (n)-通勤。
*Betty makes use of her long commute to study French.利用陇长的通勤机会学。。。
gear (n) - a thing that allow to change the speed. 汽车的排挡。
* I changed to a lower gear when we started to go downhill.
*Kevin shifted gears to reverse to back up the car. 换倒挡。。
shock (n)-汽车的避震器。
*The mechanic suggested that I get new shocks for my van.
shock -冲击力。
*The airbags will absorb the shock when the car is hit.
study - strong, not easy to break, truly reliable. 牢靠，坚实，可靠，靠得住，
alternative - have other option.
exploring - discovering.
nothing beats... - nothing is better than it.
cross - mix.
hybrid - two different things combined.
frame - The structure of the body (something), here refer to the structure of the bike. 骨架，框架。
*Faith has the frame of a dancer.
*The timber frame of the house is decaying because of termites.
frame -画框，眼镜架框。
*Alex is wearing new glasses with a titanium alloy frame.钛合金的
wind -风
resistance - 阻拦，阻力。抵挡。
wind resistance - against by wind. 风阻力。
*The shape of the car was designed to lower the wind resistance.
*If you open the windows while you drive, the wind resistance will increase.
grease (n) - oil. 润滑油，油脂。
*Grease stains can be easily removed with this detergent.油脂
grease (v) - to grease is to add or put oil on something. 涂上，加上润滑油，抹上油。
*Grease the pan with butter.
*The door needs to be greased. It creaks a lot.
inspection - check carefully by a specialist or a profession person.检查，审查。
*The newly remodeled restaurant didn't pass the safety inspection.
inspect (v) -检查，
*Make sure you inspect the merchandise when it arrives.
pushing limits - everything has its limit, try to make it to the most of the limit or go beyond the limit, pass that limit boundary.
handle - control.
to shift - to change the position.
whether something (young, fast, rich ) or something (old, slow, poor) - no matter what..
DIY - do it yourself.
appropriate -
*Barbara's outfit wasn't appropriate for the official meeting, so she was told to go home and change.
inappropriate -
*It was inappropriate of you to gain when the boss was talking.
adjust -make it to fit.使调适，调整。
*Irene adjusted her chair to fit the new desk.
adjust （v）-作生活上的调适。对某环境上，工作上的适应要用"to", adjust to something.
*Derek hopes to adjust to his new job as soon as possible.
assembly -put things or pieces together. 组装，组合。
*The new mechinery can increase the speed of assembly by 30 percent.
*Arnold worked on an assembly line for years.
assembly - people gathering together.聚集，聚会。
*The assembly was found to be illegal and was terminated.
bicyclist - the person who riding the bicycle. 自行车骑士。'list" refer to "person".人。
*Bicyclists are advised to wear bright colors at night.
motorcyclist -摩托车骑士
*Motorcyclists in Taiwan are required to wear helmets.帽子，头盔。
recommended - suggested.
love of something - like and enjoy of something that will share with others.
slightly - just a little bit, very small.

Language Tips:
city bike -城市自行车（座椅虽舒适但不及越野脚踏车来的出色好看轻巧）
You can't have your cake and eat it too - 不能同时拥有蛋糕有想吃了蛋糕。（中国）鱼与熊掌不能兼得。
You can't have it both ways. -不能同时拥有，不能二者都要。（中国）不能要求马儿好，又要马儿不吃草。
You can't have your cake and eat it too = You can't have it both ways. 这就是人生。
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sticky ball -藉由有兴趣的事物用来连接到学习枯燥乏味的事物上而帮助自己的学习。如学习英文：把对骑脚踏车的热爱应用到学习英文上：
frame/handle bar/ gear/ chain/ tire/ brake - bike. 先找出与骑脚踏车有关的字，当作是球的最内层。再由内而外的，加以运用这些基本的单字而造出简单的句子来，慢慢向外扩大。
My bike has 21 gears.
The tire is flat.
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bike etiquette -骑自行车的礼仪。
always keep to the right -（自行车的礼仪） 1。总是要仅靠右边关骑。
ride in a single file -（自行车的礼仪）2。二人以上，要各自前后骑，不宜并排骑。
pull off the path completely - don't stop in the middle of the road. （自行车的礼仪）3。要把车骑到路边停妥，不要想停就停，还停在路当中。
*** 若是就教导小孩从小就学会在享受骑自行车乐趣的同时，学会bike etiquette （骑自行车的礼仪）将会使小孩终生受益无穷，尤其是在他们日后在骑车，开车上。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Happy Facts

2013-12-11T01:00:00.004-08:00

These fun facts are sure to make you smile
笑活療癒法 - 這些趣事肯定能讓你展顏歡笑.

Here are some things you can be happy about even if you're having a bad day.

Cartoon romance: Wayne Allwine was the voice of Mickey Mouse in many cartoons. He married Russi Taylor, who supplied Minnie Mouse's voice.

Friendly cows: Cows form close bonds with other cows. They have best friends and feel stressed if they are separated from their friends.

Rabbit sports: In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths. The sport has spread throughout Europe, the U.S. Canada and even Japan.

Hanging on: Otters hold hands when they sleep. This stops them from drifting away from each other.

Hugs heal: When you touch another person, your body produces a hormone called oxytocin. Studies suggest that oxytocin actually helps heal physical wounds.

Superheroes visit sick children: Sometimes window washers at children's hospitals wear superhero costumes. The kids love these visits from their favorite characters.

Remember these, and you'll always have a reason to smile.

Grammar Gym:
"In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths."
(something ) of different (description 1) and (description 2). - use on describe "different kinds of (something)."
At the hair salon, I saw pictures of models with hairstyles of different colors and cuts.
It was hard for Sarah to pick out a bike at the bike shop; there were bikes of all styles and sizes for her to choose from.
When you walk into the candy store, you are surrounded by these delicious treats in different shapes and flavors.

Vocabulary Tips:
romance - a loving feeling that man and woman love each other. (n)罗曼史，恋爱。(adj) 浪漫的，温馨的，爱恋的。
*After a whirlwind romance, the couple got married in Hawaii last week.
*Despite the distance between Mark and Terri, their romance blossomed.
bond -a strong connection in relationship. 连结或结合力。
*A bond between the nanny and the baby quickly formed.
*The volunteers came from different walks of life, but they shared a common bond.
bond (v)- 建立。。。关系。
*The teacher bonds with her students easily.
drift (v) away - carry it away by water. 漂流，漂。
*We drifted down the stream and finally reached a river.
*The couple drifted apart after they graduated from school.
costume - a outfit than people is wearing to become a certain character.戏服。
*All the costumes for this play were handmade by the the director's wife.
*The costume designer won several awards because of this film.
sure - no question about it.

Language Tips:
hugs heal - 拥抱可以疗伤。
hug and kiss - ooxx, write in the end of the letter.
big hug - 大拥抱。欧美国家把见面或道别时的拥抱当作生活文化的一部分。很自然的，用以表示欢迎和友善。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Things to Do in Madrid

2013-12-10T04:23:00.001-08:00

From art to entertainment, the Spanish capital has something for everyone
馬德里必修學分 - 從藝術到娛樂，各式各樣的遊客都能在西班牙首都馬德里嚐到旅遊之樂.

Look at a map of Spain and point at the center. You've located the country's capital and one of Europe's most beautiful cities: Madrid. This popular destination is considered a city of contrasts because it abounds with historic sites resting in the shadows of modern skyscrapers.

History
This city of over 3 million people boasts Western Europe's largest royal palace, and some consider it to be Madrid's most beautiful building.

Inside the Royal Palace 2,800 rooms are decorated in splendor, with museum-quality furniture and artwork. Tourists can tour 50 of these lavish rooms. In the Royal Palace Gardens, people can gaze on staues and sculptures or relax by the reflecting pond.

Art
The Internationally respected Prado Museum is the largest and most impressive art gallery in Spain. Opened in 1819, it is filled with works of art that feature the world's most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings.

Shopping
Madrid has some of Europe's shopping, and potential buyers love to browse the stores looking for bargains. But for 500 years, shoppers have flocked to an immense outdoor flea market know as the Rastro, where they find everything from antiques to CDs.

A taste of Egypt
Visitors strolling through the Parque del Deste will come upon a little bit of Egypt in the heart of Spain - the Debot Temple. Originally located in southern Egypt, the structure was donated to Spain in 1968, rebuilt and opened to the public in 1972.

Entertainment
No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain's famous art form, flamenco. Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafe's and grand theaters alike. Over the years, famous celebrities have traveled to Madrid to see this famous folk art.

Food
Madrid has a wide assortment of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late - around 9 or 10 p.m. - it's difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snacks are served. Be sure to try the jamon, dry-cured ham; Spain is famous for it.

Time for a break
After a day of touring, relax in 350-acre Retiro Park, with its beautiful gardens, fish pond and lake. It is the perfect place to reflect on all you've enjoyed in this marvelous Spanish city.

Grammar Gym:
"This city of over 3 million people boasts Western Europe's largest royal palace."
boasts - to talk with too much pride about something.
boast - how a certain place has something special or wonderful in that area, or something is famous about it.
*This restaurant boasts the best steaks in town.
*This amusement park boasts the scariest roller coaster rides.

Vocabulary Tips:
abound - a lot of something, full of it with something. God is abound in love.充满，充足。
*Rumors abound about the reason why the singer suddenly retired.
abound in - where has abound in something, where is place in the front of the sentence. 什么地方充满什么。要把地方先放在最前头，然后加abound in。
*Paris abounds in delicious restaurants and cafes.
splendor (n) - awesome and beautiful. impressive the beauty. splendid (adj)壮观，辉煌。
*The film reproduced the splendor of Ancient Greece.重现往日（旧时）的辉煌
*We sat on the beach admiring the splendor of the sunset.欣赏落日的余晖。
*Many visitors were amazed by the splendor of the cathedral. (by the splendor of the mountain.) 大教堂。
comprehensive - included a lot of details, include majority of something, or cover the most of it.广泛的，无所不在的，无不包括的。全面性的。
*The patient needs a comprehensive physical exam.
*The author's guidebooks are the most comprehensive ones as far as I know.
immense - huge, big, very large, heavy amount....广大的，浩瀚的。
*There's still immense work to be done to restore the town damaged by the bombing.庞大的工作要去完成。。
*Amanda gets immense joy by helping people in need.广大的乐趣。
contrast - very different.
in the shadows of something - under something or someone's shadows.
someone is in the shadow of someone else.- someone else is someone's model.
stroll - take time to walk around, not in a hurry. 闲晃，漫步。（不及物动词+介系词+受词）
*We strolled down the street after lunch.
*While strolling in town, we found several interesting stores.
performer (n) - who is performing the work.表演者，表演的人。 perform (v) -表演。
*The circus performers all came from Russia.
performance (n) - 表演，演出。
*The dancers' outstanding performance won them the first prize.
assortment - varieties. many different things. 分类，类别，五花八门，形形色色，花色，品种，各式各样。
*The store offers a good assortment of ingredients for Italian cuisine.
assort (v) -整理，或分类，分配。
*Tanya's clothes are assorted by season.
marvelous - great, wonderful, splendid.非凡的，令人惊奇的，惊叹的。
marvel - wondering on something.
*The actor's marvelous interpretation of the character touched the entire audience.
*The result of the treatment is marvelous.
come upon ....- didn't expected but just happen to see or find out something... come upon a deer while I am taking a walk.
no something is complete without something.- you must see or do while you visit or your trip is not really complete.

Language Tips:
flea market -跳蚤市场，旧时买卖二手货的地方。最早起于法国的巴黎。名字由来是因为二手货旧东西，家具等大多藏有跳蚤之类的虫子。
bring and buy sale / car boot sale -英国人对‘跳蚤市场’的称呼。美国则为truck,trunk boot sale.
trash and treasure markets. -澳洲人对‘跳蚤市场’的称呼。意思是在别人的废弃物中挑选自己想要的东西。在废弃物中寻宝贝。
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西班牙人因为晚餐吃的很晚，大多在晚上九，十点钟才吃。所以他们一天吃五餐，以少量多餐为主：
1：早上的咖啡点心。
2：11：30 分左右的上午点心。
3：下午二点左右的午餐。
4：傍晚6点左右的点心。
5：晚上九，十点钟的晚餐。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

To Tell or Not to Tell

2013-12-08T00:43:00.002-08:00

Should you keep cheating a secret or tell a teacher?
報告老師：有人作弊 - 你該替作弊的行為守密，還是該報告老師？

Angela and Nick just finished a history test. They stop outside the classroom to talk.

Angela: That was such a difficult test! It's a good thing I studied so hard for it, or I probably would have failed.
Nick: Me, too. You go on ahead. I need to talk to Mr. Brown about something.
Angela: Oh, what about?
Nick: I saw a guy peering at a piece of paper under his desk during the test.
Angela: Really?
Nick: Yeah. I think it was a cheat sheet.
Angela: And you're going to tell the teacher? why? He probably had a really busy week and didn't have time to study.
Nick: You and I were busy this week, too, but we still made time to study.
If someone else didn't, that doesn't justify cheating.
Angela: It seems to me that this is really none of our business. After all, this cheating doesn't affect our grades on the test.
Nick: Maybe not directly, but it will affect the class ranks. It's not fair to hard working students if someone else gets a high rank by cheating.
Angela: True. But I really feel that we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. What if he wasn't cheating?
Nick: Well, I'm just going to report what I saw to someone in authority. The teacher can take care of it.
Angela: But this is Mr. Brown. Everyone knows what a strict teacher he is. He might call the student's parents or even have him suspended!
Nick: Mr. Brown can't suspend the student yet. He'd need more evidence than just my word. He'll probably just give him a warning and keep on eye on him.
Angela: And what if our classmates find out you told on him. Everyone in the class will call you a tattletale.
Nick: I don't care. I'm doing the right thing. But I'll ask Mr. Brown not to mention my name.
Angela: I still don't see why this is such a big deal to you. It's pretty naive to think only one person cheated on the test. The fact is that lots of students cheat.
Nick: But that doesn't make it right. And I din't see them all. I just saw one, and I feel I should take some action. Furthermore, I don't think school is just about getting good grades. It's about learning things that we'll use later in life. And, more importantly, doing it in an honest way.
Angela: Maybe. But I were you, I still wouldn't tell. I really need to get going. See you tomorrow.

Grammar Gym:
"He'd need more evidence than just my word."
"word" -a letter or a group of letters that are put together and mean something.
"word" -a comment or statement from someone.
He'd need more evidence than just my statement (word).
What Henry said sounded very strange; it's hard to believe his word.
*The manager had trouble setting the dispute; there were no witnesses and it was simply one employee's word against another.

Vocabulary Tips:
peer - look at it very closely. peer over the wall to find out what is going on. 凝视，盯着看，端详。
*The old lady peered through her window trying to see who had rung the doorbell.
*Nathan peered at his watch anxiously.
cheat sheet - 作弊时使用的小炒。
*The boy hid his cheat sheet in his shoe.
*The teacher found a double-sided cheat sheet under the student's desk.
justify - you did something and explain why you did, or give a reason to let people understand why you did it. 使合理，证明事情，为。。。辩护。
just -公正的，合理的。
*Mark tried to justify his tardiness with all kinds of lame excuses. 很爤的理由。
*How can your department justify spending so much money on travel?
take matters into your own hands - take care of it by yourself.接手，亲自处理。 'matter' -事情。
*When the police failed to find the killer, the victim's dad decided to take matters into his own hands.
cheat -作弊，欺骗。
*Tony was caught cheating on his finals.
suspend -not allow someone to do something for a period of time.暂停，暂缓，此指“使休学，使停止，使停赛。。。”
*Jodie got suspended because she kept skipping school. 逃课（学），旷课。
*The football player was suspended because he attacked the referee.
tattletale -telling someone about someone else is wrong. tell the person usually is on a high position such as teacher, boss or parents...告密者，搬弄是非的人。 'tattle'-告状，嚼舌，闲聊，闲谈。
*Laura was called a tattletale because she told the teacher who was dating in the school.
*Kids at school don't want to play with Nicole because they think she's a tattletale.
naive - 重音在“ i ”。天真，幼稚，无知的。
*I must have been naive to think that everyone would be happy about my promotion.
*Annie was so naive that she signed the contract without even consulting a lawyer.
furthermore - moreover, there is more to this.并且，此外。 ' further' -更远，更进一步，更深入的。
*Professor Williams is a respected professor in our school. Furthermore, his is loved by his students for his wit. 幽默。
evidence - something that can prove what happened.
tell on someone / told on someone - 告某人的状，大多是向上级，老师，家长等告某人的状。tell on -告状。
have time vs make time -有时间/找时间。
authority (n) - someone have control of something.
everyone knows ....- about someone's repetition.
if I were you...I would (wouldn't) .....- 假如我是（你，他。。。）我会（不会）。。。。

Language Tips:
cram -填塞，用在读书上即是指填鸭式的方法恶补。
burn the midnight oil.- 开夜车。
all nighter -通宵KI书或工作的人。
all night -通宵
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teacher's pet -老师的宠物。即指“有些学生爱讨好老师，总是在老师身边帮忙老师擦黑板，提东西等，常向老师打其他同学的小报告，在老师面前告同学的状等来讨好老师，有时还会送礼物给老师的同学。”

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

December

2013-12-02T03:31:00.004-08:00

The last month of the year is filled with joy and celebration
12=30+1天的幸福 - 一年的最後一個月充滿了喜悅和歡慶.

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." This popular song's title and lyrics reflect the happiness many people feel during the holiday season, which lasts the whole month of December. Stores are filled with lights, decorations - and sales signs. Businesses and families hold parties. The smell of baking cookies and other holiday treats fills homes.

Geneva, Switzerland, holds a chocolate festival called I'Escalade on December 11 to commemorate the defeat of an attacking army. According to one story, a woman poured soup on a soldier's head, hit him with her cauldron and then ran to warn her neighbors. This stopped the attack, so now people smash and eat chocolate cauldrons in her honor.

From December 6 to 14 this year, the Dubai International Film Festival will show fabulous films from around the world. Some important medical issues are remembered this month. December 1 is World AIDS Day, and December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This month is Oslo, Norway, Nobel Prizes will be awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to the world. The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts.

The flower associated with December is the narcissus. December's gemstone, the turquoise, symbolizes happiness, success and prosperity. Those are things everyone hopes for during this wonderful time of year.

Grammar Gym:
"The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts."
'recognize' - To see something and remembering that you do know what it is.
I recognize the man's face but I can't remember his name.
'to recognize' - to officially say or show that somebody did a good job.
*Ladies and gentlemen, we want to thank and recognize all of you who put in so much energy and time to help us with this project.
*This certificate recognizes the outstanding achievements of Peter Sanders.

Vocabulary Tips:
lyric / lyrics -歌词，多用复数。
*The lyrics of the song were written by the singer herself.
*Both the music and the lyrics to the song were written by Mariah Carey.
*I love Paul Simon's lyrics.
commemorate - remember something by celebrating.纪念，或庆祝。 'memor" - remember.记忆。
*The exhibition was held to commemorate the birth of this great artist.
commemoration (n) -纪念。
*The statue was built in commemoration of a great general.
fabulous - great, wonderful, amazing. extremely good. 极好的，极棒的，令人难以置信的，极美好又难忘的。
* We had a fabulous time on our trip.
* The boy's fabulous singing talent amazed his teacher.
* Janet is a fabulous actress.
symbolize -represent. 象征，或用图案表示。
*The color red symbolizes passion and determination.热情与决心。
*Heart-shaped chocolates symbolize adoration.爱慕之情
symbol (n)- 象征，标帜，符号。
*The ring is a symbol of commitment.
reflect - indicate. 反射。表达。显示。
cauldron - a big heavy pot.
Narcissus - 水仙花。

Language Tips:
abbreviation -缩写。省略的写法。
initialism / acronym -
initialism首字母缩写，由每个字的第一个字母组成/头字语。
acronym -当作一个英文单字读出来。
United States of America - U.S.A.-initialism，读“U.S.A.”
NASA - (acronym) - sound of 'nasa' one word.
AIDS - (acronym) - sound of one word 'aids'.
app -from application, (clipped word) - sound it out as a word 'app'.
application- 应用程式。

Note taking of StudioClassroom

The Benefits of Being Thankful

2013-12-02T00:47:00.001-08:00

Discover how a thankful spirit benefits you and others
感恩的好處 - 來看看心懷感恩如何益己益人.

With bad news all around us, it's sometimes easy to feel discouraged. Yet according to experts, it's much healthier to maintain a positive attitude.

But how can you do it? Stop and think of all the things you are thankful for. You may be surprised how many things you can think of. Being aware of your many blessings makes it easier to have a thankful attitude.

Why is that important, thought?

The Benefits:
* Grateful people are kinder and more likely to feel loved. Thankful people have higher levels of optimism.

* People who practice gratitude can increase their happiness by 25 percent!

* Grateful people have lower level of depression and stress.

* People who are grateful place a low value on material goods. Therefore they don't waste their time and energy desiring what others have.

* Thankful people express greater satisfaction in life and more hope for the future.

* The biggest benefit, though, is that a thankful attitude is contagious. You might be surprised by how good it makes you and those around you feel!

(pessimism can harm our physical health.)

Grammar Gym:
"Being aware of your many blessing makes it easier to have a thankful attitude."
* Being (adjective) makes it (adjective) to (do something).
Being sensitive to the needs of other people makes it easier to not be so selfish.
Being quick to listen and slow to speak makes it easier for you to understand what others are trying to communicate.
Being the first to apologize makes it harder for others to stay mad at you.

Vocabulary Tips:
impression -印象。
*Making a good first impression is very important when interviewing.
*I don't have much of an impression of Sandy's brother.
impress (v) - 印象
*I was very impressed by his politeness. 好感，好印象。
creativity - 创力，创作力。create-创造。creative -有创意。
*The process of brainstorming can spur the creativity within us.
amazed -使惊奇，使诧异。
*I was amazed by the director's creativity.
discourage - 使气馁，沮丧的。
*Bobby wan't discouraged when his colleagues didn't accept his suggestions.
encouraged -激励，鼓舞。
*Isabelle felt so encouraged when her first novel was published.
optimism -乐观。
*Maggie's optimism make she very popular with her peers.
pessimism -悲观。
*There's a universal pessimism about the future of the company.
depression -忧郁，沮丧。
*Daniel slid into depression after being laid off.
*Allen suffers from depression and is on medication now.
depress (v) -抑郁，压抑。使沮丧。
*Cold, snowy weather always depresses me.
satisfaction (n) -满足。
*Customers' satisfaction is our company's ultimate goal.
satisfy (v) -满足。
*The tabloid satisfies people's curiosity. 八卦报道满足人们的好奇心。
leave something out - 排除。。。

Language Tips:
stinking thinking -负面的思考，对他人只会批判。

Notes taking of studioclassroom

Pearls of Wisdom in Proverbs

2013-11-27T06:43:00.003-08:00

Do too many cooks really spoil the broth?
英文諺語中的金玉良言 - 人多手雜必敗事？

Out of sight, out of mind. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Have you heard any of these proverbs before? Each phrase teaches a common truth. But what exactly is a proverb?

It's a short statement that contains a general truth. It is popularly know and often repeated. Every culture has proverbs, and while some are special for one culture, there are common themes. For example, many cultures value old people for their wisdom and experience.

This idea can be found in proverbs. A Chinese proverb says, "An old horse will never get lost." And a Portuguese proverb states, "An old pan is the one that makes good food." Many cultures also agree that acting in haste is not a good idea. The English say, "Good and quickly seldom meet." The Chinese say, "Think three times before you act." A Russian proverb exclaims, "Take your thoughts to bed with you, for the morning is wiser."

There is a saying : To truly know a people, learn their proverbs. Proverbs contain a culture's values and morals, and so you can learn what is esteemed in different cultures through their proverbs. People in Saudi Arabia value books and learning. One of their proverbs says, "A book is a garden carried in the pocket." The French say, "There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience." So that culture thinks that being honest is important. Egyptians know the value of friendship. One of their proverbs says, "Friendship doubles joy and halves grief.

In Africa, many proverbs also use images familiar to Africans. For example, "The best way to eat an elephant in your path is cut him up into little pieces." In other words, the best way to solve a problem is to work on it bit by bit. Or " A roaring lion kills no game." This means that one cannot achieve anything by sitting around and talking about it. One must get out and strive for it.

Many proverbs are ancient, but some are contemporary. Here are some English language proverbs that have been coined since 1900. "Wake up and smell the coffee." This warns you to be attentive to a situation and find out the truth. Someone may also tell you to "Get your ducks in a row." This means you should get organized. "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." So if you can't deal with the pressure of a situation, you should leave. "Labels are for cans, not for people." This tells you that you should not decide what people are like before you really know.

Learning proverbs in another language is fun. You can make a good impression with your language ability. But remember, proverbs are usually used in spoken language. They are rarely used in writing. If you use a lot of proverbs when you write, people will think you don't have original thoughts. So use your creatively, and make up your own proverbs. There is more than one way to skin a cat!

Grammar Gyms:
"This means that one cannot achieve anything by sitting around and talking about it."
"around " - all the sides of something. Going around the outside of a building.
"around" - how activities or things are done with no real purpose.
"playing around " - I am playing around my cell phone while waiting for friends.
"hanging around' - She is hanging around with her friends at mall.
"climbing around" - Kids at the playground are climbing around the play set.

Vocabulary Tips:
proverb - old saying that often true and wise, give out an advice.谚语，俗语
*You know the old proverb, honesty is the best policy.
*As the proverb goes, practice makes perfect.
* A Chinese proverb says that a quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.
theme - common idea such as love, friendship, or truth.主题。主题思想。
*The theme of the party is "Back to the 80s."
*The theme of the course for this month is "Spring." 课程
*Cats are a recurrent theme in this artist's paintings. 常出现的主题。
haste - hurry. 急忙，匆忙，迅速。
* In my haste to leave, I forgot my cellphone at home.
in haste -at hurry. 急忙地。
*Daddy always reminds me not to make important decisions in haste.
exclaim -say or believe very firmly and say loudly. 大声宣告,呼喊。'ex' -有‘向外’之意。claim -宣称。
*Jessica exclaimed with excitement that she was engaged.
exclamation (n) -兴奋大叫，大声说出来。
*Angela gave an exclamation of surprise when she saw her new room.
out of sight, out of mind - someone or something is not around you or in front of you, you don't even bother to think of it. 眼不见，心不烦。
a penny for your thought - wants to know what you are thinking about.
value - care, worth.
an old horse will never get lost - an old horse know the way better. 老马识途。
seldom meet - usually not go together. 很难在一起。
An old pen is the one that makes the good food. - An pen use often, the ingredient stay with pen so can cook out good food.
esteem -value of something (high or low). high esteem, and low esteem. 敬重，看重。
*Professor Frasier's work is highly esteemed by his colleagues.深受看重
*I esteem Nathan for his passion for music.敬重。。对音乐的热情。
esteem (n) - 敬重。
*Coach White was held in high esteem by the team members.深受看重。
conscience - with knowledge to know what is right or wrong.
*Ever since he stole his mother's money, Donald's conscience has been troubled.
*I have a guilty conscience about not telling my parents the truth.
halve (v) -把事物或数量减半，或分为两半。
*My roommate will have our utility.
*Have the melon and remove the seeds.切成两半，把子除去。
half (n) -一半。
*Over half of our students are from other states. 一半以上。。
strive - put a lot of afford to get things done or get success. 努力，奋斗。
*The coach encouraged us to strive for victory. 为胜利而努力，奋斗
strives for - for 为什么努力。。，努力为得到什么。。
*As an artist, Richard strives for inspiration and perfection. 努力
clear conscience - conscience is clear with no guilt. 心正大光明，无伪的良心。
guilt conscience - did something wrong that deep inside of you is feeling no peace. Try to correct the wrong, just be honest, not do it again. 罪恶感。良心有亏欠。
self esteem - value yourself.
garden - refer to the knowledge is continue growing, leaning new things.
carry in the pocket - is handy to use it.
something by something - take a step at a time, doing a little at a time.
bit by bit - step by step, little by little, inch by inch.
sitting around - people are relaxing not doing anything.
two wrong does not make it right - 一错再错，于事无补。
coin - invented, created. come up with something. 铸造钱币，铜币，此指“创造，发明新的词句。
*The term "as if" was coined in the teen movie Clueless. “as if ” -最好是。。。
*Shakespeare coined many words in his works.作品
attentive - pay attention, listen careful.注意，留意。
*Being a professional receptionist, you have to be attentive all the time.随时留意各种状况。
*Most of the audience was attentive during the lecture. 演讲。
attentive -体贴，殷勤。
*Josh is very attentive to his wife. ...对他太太非常殷勤体贴。
impression - someone think about something or someone. 印象
*Making a good first impression is very important when interviewing.
*I don't have much of an impression of Sandy's brother.
impress (v) -使留下好印象。
*I was very impressed by his politeness.他的彬彬有礼令。。留下很好的印象
creativity - create person come out of a lot of creative thinking.创造力，创意。 create -创造
*The process of brainstorming can spur the creativity within us. 脑力激荡的过程。。激发
*I was amazed by the director's creativity. 导演
label -tell you what is inside.标签，贴标签。
label a person - put a label on a person is describe a person unfair to judge a person before clearly know that person. 把某人贴上了标签。（不合理，不公平而且是很不友善的表现）。
leave something out or leave out of something. - 排除，舍弃。
skin the cat - say the same thing or do. (there is more way to say the same thing.)
don't count your chicken before they hatch. - your plan might not be work out, don't plan or think what you will do next before it get succeed.
ancient - it means that has been a long time.
contemporary - is modern, recently, is recent.

Language Tips:
proverb /idiom -谚语，俗语/惯用语
proverbs - 很清楚的，而且很直接的表达出其意思。
idiom -不能找字面来解释，但是却含有其特别意思。
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. - （proverb）
It's raining cats and dogs - （idiom）. （倾盆大雨）
under the weather - （idiom）. （在气候下，意思是指‘身体感觉不适’）
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people - （复数n）
a people - 加定冠词指有同一种文化，背景的民族，族群。
the people of Asia - 亚洲人。
peoples - 不同文化的民族。
the peoples of Asia - 亚洲不同的民族或族群。
people person -a person who likes to deal with people.指喜欢与人群接触的人。
French and Asia are different peoples.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
row (发‘row’音) - row your boat.
get your ducks in a row.
row (发‘raw’音) = quarrel, dispute, argument.英国人常用的，美国人并不这么说。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Charity Engine

2013-11-23T16:42:00.003-08:00

Your computer can solve scientific puzzles and raise money for charity
電腦也可以做公益你的電腦可以解決科學謎題，同時也能替慈善機構募款.

Millions of personal computers across the world are running at this moment, but most are using just a fraction of their full capacity to process information. Imagine what could happen if the spare power of these millions of machines were harnessed to solve global problems.

The organization Charity Engine attempts to do jut that. It enables researchers and companies to use the extra computing power of thousands of personal computers. These companies pay a usage fee that goes to carefully selected charities.

The computers
Charity Engine offers a free app that has the user's computer do research as a background task. The program runs automatically, without direction from the user. Each computer works on a small chunk of a larger project and sends back its results. The results are combined to answer the researchers' questions.

The researchers
Charity Engine mostly uses its computing power for companies doing scientific, medical or commercial research. For example, Rosetta@home attempts to help find cures for serious diseases by discovering the shapes of proteins. Another project, Einstein@Home, tests scientific theories. And another helps establishments in Africa such as universities search for ways to fight the spread of malaria.

The charities
Charity Engine gives 50 percent of the proceeds from renting out computing power to various charities. Each organization it supports has a good reputation for working in an area of vital importance. Most of them seek to address the underlying causes of poverty while bringing short-term relief. These include Oxfam, a network of organizations in 94 countries.

Another is CARE International, one of the three largest international aid agencies, which works in 87 countries, Charity Engine also supports Doctors Without Borders, which supplies medical care, and WaterAid, which provides safe water and promotes hygiene in developing countries.

Another of its charities, Sightsavers, works to prevent and reverse blindness through medical treatments and provides training for the blind. Charity Engine helps many other organizations as well.

An added bonus
Charity Engine returns the other 50 percent of its earnings to the people who made it all possible. The app users are entered into draws. Chosen at random, the winners receive thousands of dollars in prizes!

Thanks to Charity Engine, computing power that would have gone to waste is fighting poverty and bringing healing and hope.

Grammar Gym:
"....but most are using just a fraction of their full capacity to process information."
'Just a fraction of ' - a very small part of ...
when you describe something that is very small portion of some else, you can say 'just a fraction of...'
This assignment was very easy and only took a fraction of our time.
*Ned's new apartment is huge; his belongings take up only a fraction of the space.

Vocabulary Tips:
harness - something you get to control and use it. （n）马具，降落伞的背带。（v ）控制或使用。
*The people in this town want to harness the dam's water to generate electricity. 利用水库的水
*People started to harness wind power many years ago. 利用风力来发电。
compute - counting, calculate. 计算，运算。
*The kids spent a lot of time competing the answer to this math question.
computer (n) -电脑，计算机。
*The capacity of my new computer is twice that of my old one.
chunk - a big or thick piece of something, a mess piece of something that don't have a regular form or shape, more often we use this word on food. a chunk of beef, a chunk of meat...a chunk of cheese....
* I already finished a large chunk of my report.
*The company owns a big chunk of land outside the city.
*The cheese was cut into chunks and served with crackers.
establishment -建立，组成，创建。
establish (v)- 建立
establishment (n) - here means an organization or a business.机构，企业，组织(n)。
*This nonprofit establishment was founded by a group of moms.
*Terry works in a research establishment.
usage fee - money you pay or a fee you pay to use something.
background - something is running behind something else.
test - to prove it is true.
malaria - a kind of disease, it spread by mosquitoes.
running - is working, something is on.
puzzles- problems.
do just that - exactly they do, just what you like to do.
proceeds -proceed （复数名词）- the money making that a company through some event or other activities..获利，收入。
*The proceeds from the fair will be donated to the needy of the town.
proceed (v) (重音在`第二` ) - 前进，进行。
*Passengers of fight 229, please proceed to gate 10.
underlying - basic, maybe is not obvious see.基本的，根本的，基础的。
*The underlying problem of the company was the lack of funds.
*The riot might have stopped, but the underlying causes of it are not yet solved.
draw -抽出，抽奖。pick up something from a box without see it.
drawing -抽签，抽奖。
*When you purchase this product, you're automatically entered into our drawing.
drawing -速描（绘画）
a drawing of a ballerina. 芭蕾舞者的速描画。
random - no plan involve, no way can predict at ahead of time.随机的，任意的。
at random -随意的。事先没安排的。
*The salesperson picked a name at random to call.
*The owner of the lost dog searched the area at random.无目的，无头绪的。。
of vital important - very important.
various - many, several.
hygiene - regard of keep clean for your body that keep you stay healthy.

Language Tips:
eponym - words came from someone's name. 由人名而变成了一般的常用的字。
braille ，guillotine ，silhouette， sandwich ， silhouette - 都是人的名字，第一个字母改为小写成了特别的意思来代替这些人的特长或所发明的东西。
braille - 盲人用的点字法。
guillotine -断头台。
sandwich -三明治。
Einstein -聪明绝顶的人。
Steve is a real Einstein.- Steve是一个极其聪明绝顶的人.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
clipped word - make original word shorter that easy for people to say, use, and write.
*some words are clipped the back of the word. 去字前几字母。
app, is a clipped word, from application.应用方程式。（普遍被使用，如今已自形一单字app，要念，不能念APP.）
exam from examination. 考试
gas from gasoline. 汽油
*some word are clipped the front of the word.去字后面几字母。
plane is airplane.飞机
phone is telephone.电话
bus is omnibus.大型载客汽车
*some word clipped the front and the back.去字前几字母又去字后面几字母。
fridge is from refrigerator.电冰箱
flu is from influenza. 流感。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Give Thanks

2013-11-20T01:33:00.002-08:00

The fourth Thursday in November welcomes the holiday season
說出你的感謝 - 十一月的第四個星期四迎接佳節到來.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This holiday not only involves football and turkey but also helps us remember to be thankful. Traditionally Americans go home for Thanksgiving. So people start preparing weeks before the holiday. Excited moms are eager to have their children come home.

Thanksgiving is also a season for giving. Irene's school has a "Turkey Trot" race every year around Thanksgiving. You can give small amounts of money for charity to run in the race.

In our neighborhood, the Boy Scouts go door to door asking for canned food for the needy. Churches and charities sponsor coat drives for families who need winter coats. Some teen groups volunteer at homeless shelters on weekends. They either prepare food or help serve it.

What does our family do? We usually go to our church potluck. The dishes are mostly Chinese, but the church prepares turkeys and pumpkin and apple pies. Afterward, we sing and share what we are thankful for in the past year.

The next day is a big sale day called Black Friday. The Christmas season officially begins then, and people want to buy Christmas gifts as early as possible. Also, Black Friday successfully tempts consumers to spend their money on discounted or hot sale items. Some stores open as early as midnight. You can hardly find a spot in the parking lot in front of a mall or a big retail store.

After Black Friday, people are given another chance to "Shop 'til You Drop" -Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is designed for shoppers who prefer to shop online. Just click, and your order will arrive within a couple of days.

We are very thankful for our family and friends back home. They have supported and encouraged us over the past year. We are also thankful for the new friends we have met in the U.S. They have welcomed us, helped us and taken us in. With gratitude in our hearts, we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Grammar Gym:
"So people start preparing weeks before the holiday."
"weeks before" -several weeks before.
Zack finished his report weeks before the due date.
Sharon's suitcase was already packed days before her Christmas break.
Janice's friends came to see her hours before her surgery.
Minutes before her train arrived, Martha realized she had lost her ticket.

Vocabulary Tips:
around the corner - is not far, is near. talk about time or event. 就在转角处，延伸出来有“即将来临，或是近在眉梢的” 之意。
*Bryan's graduation ceremony is just around the corner. 。。就快到了。
around the corner - very close. talk about a place.
*The grocery store is around the corner.
eager(v) - very excited, can't wait.热切的，急切的。
*Charles is eager to play on the football team.
*Kate is eager to please her parents.
eagerness (n) -急切，热切
*His eagerness to win made him really nervous during the game. 急切地想求胜。。
shelter-a roof cover you to protect you, a place to live. 遮盖之处，避难所，避护所，住宿。basic need: food, water and shelter.
*The church provides shelter for abused women. 受虐妇女。
*We took shelter under a tree during the rain.躲在树下避雨。
shelter (v) -保护，遮盖。
*The village was sheltered by mountains. 被群山保护着。
potluck -everyone bring one or two dishes to share with others.百乐餐。吃饭由个人带菜来。
*Mandy took her famous beef stew to the potluck.
potluck -informal dinner 家常便饭。（随便一些的）。
*You're welcome to stay for dinner if you don't mind potluck.
'turkey tro" - a special kind of race to raise money for charity.
charity - volunteer to give money or help to the needed.
door to door - from one house to another house.
(something) drive -something organized by people to collect something.
coat drive - collect coat for the needed people. (food drive, toy drive etc.)
discount - 打折，减价。'dis' -‘离开’之意。 'count'-计算。
*The department store discounts all items 10 percent for VIPs.
*You can get an extra 5 percent discount if you are a member.
parking lot - where you park your car. 停车场。
lot - a place or space.一小块土地。
*There's an underground parking lot near here.
parking space -停车位。停车格。
*The guy rudely took my parking space.粗鲁地
parking structure - a building use for parking only. 立体或整栋的停车场。
*The parking structure can hold over 400 cars.
click - click it and come out a click sound. 按，碰触，点选。
*Click on the printer icon, and choose the format. 按影印机的图示，选出要印的形式。
*With just one click, you can transfer money to an overseas bank.
gratitude - thankful, grateful.感恩，感激。
*I would like to express my gratitude to everyone here.
*Hank prepared this bouquet of flowers to show his gratitude to his teacher.
What's hot - 'hot' - here mean that something is very popular that people wants. hot topic, hot sale item, hot thing....
shop 'til You Drop' - you are shopping for a long time, it makes you very tired that you can't do anymore.

Language Tips:
neighborhood -街坊邻舍。邻近地区。住家附近的社区。比township / district 规模要小些。
township / district - 小镇/行政区：通常是一个名称，由政府规划出来的行政区域。
neighborhood - 住家附近的社区，通常都伴随着形容词,如：
a friendly neighborhood.- 友善的住宅社区。
a leafy neighborhood - 有很多树，社区规划的整齐又有很多树。一般指中产阶级的住宅区。
a rough neighborhood - 治安不好的住宅社区。
neighborhood -approximately. 有“接近‘之意。要与数字一同使用。
in the neighborhood of $800. 在美金800元左右。
--------------------------------------------------------------
Black Friday - 由来是在1960年代，由费城的警察所命名。因为那一天，一年一度的陆，海军足球大赛在当地举行，加上又是圣诞购物的热潮，交通大乱，地区次序混乱不堪，警察责任重大，心情沉重，就说每年的这一天对他们来说是个黑色的星期五。后来商店要业绩，创造盈余，取其黑色没赤字之意而在感恩节的第二天即Friday,又是圣诞购物第一天，商店抢商机，在这一天争取更多的盈余来平衡财务赤字。对购物者而言，也是个黑色的星期五，因为大家都花了很多时间，等候，找停车的地方，又没把握一定能卖到要买的东西，因为打折东西数量有限，大家都用抢的，有人很鲁莽的推挤别人，常因人多又挤，次序混乱而常有人受伤。动作慢的就out of luck,而发脾气，。。
in the black -（会计）经营没有赤字，有盈余。

Note taking of Studioclassroom

Consumer Conflicts

2013-11-18T14:50:00.001-08:00

Is shopping online better than buying things in a store?
該在店裡買，還是上網買？上網購物比在實體店面購物更好？

Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.

Laura: What are you looking for, Nellie?
Nellie: I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans. Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
Laura:You buy your clothes online? Aren't you afraid they won't fit? it seems pretty risky to me.
Nellie: Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
Laura:That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
Nellie: That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Laura: Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than to wait a week or longer!
Nellie: But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the the store, I end up to buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Laura: I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses and the people who work in them. However, I have purchased a couple things from online auction sites.
Nellie: Online auctions are so exciting! What did you buy?
Laura: One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
Nellie: That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Laura: Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I tried to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
Nellie: What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Laura: Good advice! Now let me give you some advice -fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!

Grammar Gym:
"Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse."
'end up' - in the end, resulting.
*Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.

Vocabulary Tips:
consumer - person who buy things at a store or online. 消费者，顾客。
*The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
*To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume - use it. 消耗，使用。
*This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome (adj) - bother you, something is not pleasant to you. trouble you, troublesome to you to do something for me. Don't worry, It's my pleasure, it's not troublesome. Don't be a troublesome to others. 令人苦恼的或觉得困难的。 'trouble' (n) -麻烦
*I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention - 更不用说，更不消说。（用来连接二个句子）mention -提及。
*Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse - not think about it, make quick decision or buy things at sudden. 冲动，一时兴起的念头。
*I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse / on an impulse : 一时的冲动。
*I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
auction -拍卖。
*I bought this painting at an auction. 在一个拍卖会上。
put something up for auction - 把东西拿去拍卖。
*The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
practically - almost, close to. 几乎，实际上，实事上。
*Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
practical - useful. 实用的，可行的。
*Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
scam artist -骗子，诈骗高手。
scam-（设）骗局，诡计，诈欺的行为。
*This insurance scam involves many people.
*Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
scam artist - people who try to get your money or get something from you by cheat or lying you.
*The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
reputation - something people think or know about someone or something. 名声，名誉。
*As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict. 以严厉，严格著称。
*That law firm has a very good reputation.
*The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
local store- the store in your neighborhood. 本地的商业
local - only in that place.
a couple - some, not mean two here.
myth - s kind of story people talk it about through generations but that story is not true.
mythology (n) - idea of this myth.
just what I was something ( expected, thinking, wanted, want to say....) - exactly what I was .....
make some money out of it = make some money from it.

Language Tips:
toponym - 以地名来命名其他的。把地名的第一个字母大写变成小写字母。
topo - 场所，地方。
China / china : 中国/陶瓷，瓷器。（十八世纪，西方白瓷尚未开发，而中国的瓷器又格外的精致，细匀而闻名）
Bikini / bikini : 太平洋群岛/ 一种性感的女泳装。
a new pair of jeans -
jeans - from word ‘Jannes’.
Jannes - French calls " Genoa", ' Jannes' , Genoa is a city where in Italy, which place is heavy manufacturing jeans material.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
support local businesses -支持本地的商业。
go local - a thought or an act that purchase things at local store to support the local store and communities. Let the money stay in the local communities, not going out to help the local stores, communities, also help increase the job opportunities. Shopping outside let the money go out to other place. One of five purchase you made in local store can help and balance the local store and communities need.
go local : 一种想法，或举动以在本地购买的东西来支持本地的商业。让钱留在本地，来帮助本地企业，造福社区，并可增加就业机会。

Notes taking of studioclassroom

Ten Fun Things to Do in Singapore

2013-11-17T19:59:00.002-08:00

This country may be small, but its possibilities are endless
新加坡十大樂事 - 這個國家或許不大，卻擁有無限可能.

A bustling city. historical sites. Amusement parks. Tropical beaches. You can find all this and more packed into the 715-plus square kilometers of Singapore. If you visit this small but impressive country, here are some sights you won't want to miss.

1. Night Safari
One of Singapore Zoo's most famous attractions, Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural environment. Walk through the park at night for up-close views of animals from seven different geographical zones. Or take a tram ride with a guide who will share fascination facts and stories.

2. Chinatown
This area gets its unique flavor from the wide variety of Chinese people who live there. Beautiful historical buildings and classy restaurants line its streets. You can watch people practice traditional arts from calligraphy to dance. And Food Street offers many delicious snacks.

3. Universal Studios
Enter the world of your favorite movies! This amusement park includes seven zones based on real or imaginary places. Enjoy roller coasters, live shows and street entertainment. You can even meet your favorite characters from Shrek, Transformers and more!

4. Pulau Ubin
Take a small boat into Singapore's past A 10-minute ride will take you to this island where life has remained unchanged since the 1960s. Walk through the streets, lovely forest paths and along quiet beaches. Chek Jawa, the "jade of Singapore," lies on the island's southeastern tip, an area filled with plants, animals and natural beauty.

5. Underwater World
Underwater World is more than just another aquarium. It offers rare opportunities to interact with sea creatures. Sign up in advance to swim with dolphins or dive among sharks. Be sure to feed the stingrays! Extend your hand into the water holding a piece of fish between your fingers. Then watch as the huge, gentle animals swaim up and suck the food into their mouths!

6. Singapore Flyer
The world's largest observation wheel stands 165 meters tall and looks over all of Singapore. You can ride it around or pay more to enjoy a 4-course meal in a special capsule. Or you can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.

7. Fort Siloso
This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past. It contains Singapore's largest collection of items from World War II. Its old tunnels and original weapons will give you a close-up view of history.

8. Jurong Bird Park
At Jurong Bird Park you can encounter 5,000 birds of 380 species and even feed some of them by hand! If feeding birds makes you hungry, you can join the park's parrots for lunch. Don't miss the High Flyers, Show, where birds demonstrate their talents.

9. Forest Adventure
Seeking a thrill or a physical challenge? Try Forest Adventure's obstacle courses. Its Grand Course contains 34 obstacles, including four ziplines. A separate kids' course is available for children ages 5 to 10.

10. Mall's and Markets
Wander through Orchard Road's modern malls that connect underground and stretch for almost 2.2 kilometers. Then try an open-air shopping experience at the Thieves' Market. There you can buy inexpensive clothes, toys and even antiques. With all these possibilities, Singapore is sure to impress you!

Grammar Gym:
"This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past."
"stands as a reminder" - helps people to remember.
Uncle Kenneth's bookshelf full of books stands as a reminder of his days as a professor.
This roadside memorial stands as a reminder to the community not to drink and drive.

Vocabulary Tips:
all this/that and more - this, that and many many more.
（adj + but + adj）
bustling -（'t'不发音）many people are very busy with noise. 喧闹，满乱。
*Grandma has been bustling around the kitchen since noon to prepare our feast.
*Sandra still can't get used to the hustle and bustle of city life.
geographical (adj) -地理的，地理学。
*The island's geographical position is near the Bermuda Triangle.
geography (n) -地区，地形，地势。
calligraphy - 书法。
*His calligraphy looks effortless and graceful.
*Sean won first prize at the calligraphy competition.
*Rita has a special interest in calligraphy.
imaginary (adj.) - 虚构的，幻想的。not for real.
*The patient created an imaginary world in his mind.
*Jason used to have an imaginary friend when he was little.
imagine (v) - 幻想，凭空想象。
imagination (n) - 虚构，幻想。
jade (n) - a kind of very precious stone. 翡翠，玉。
*The museum has a large jade collection.
*The vase was carved of jade.
jade (adj.) -翡翠的
*Francine's jade-green dress is very unique and attractive.
interact - 互动。'inter' -“彼此，互相”之意。 , 'act' -动作。,
interact with -说明互动的对象用“with”。
*The teacher soon found a way to interact with the new student.
interaction -互动。
*The interaction between the parents and their baby is very natural and relaxed.
extended - 伸出，伸展。'ex' -向外。
*This table can be extended.
*Eric extended his hand to greet his guests.
extend - make it longer or make it in a full-length.
*The trail extends seven kilometers.
extension (n) -延伸出来的部位，加建的部分。
*The building's extension will take three months to build.
pastry - sweet dessert make out of flour. 脆而甜的小糕饼，尤指油酥而脆的点心。
*The bakery's pastry is crispy and delicious.
*The pastry's crust is overdone.
*There is a wide variety of pastry on the buffet.
fort -used to use for minatory, now some of them offer for tourists. or a small house protect by surrounding.要塞。堡垒。
*The fort was surrounded by enemies for almost two days.
hold down the fort for someone -替某人负责或处理照料（事物）
*Alex is holding down the fort for his boss while she's away.
demonstrate (v) - 说明，展示。
*The salesperson demonstrated how to use the multi-functional food processor.
demonstration (n) - show how it work or act, give out people a good idea about how to do something.
*The demonstration of the product is clear and simple.
thrill (n) - 惊喜，刺激，恐惧（不可数n），
*The thrill of bungee jumping is incomparable.
*I still remember the thrill of opening Christmas gifts when I was a child.
thrill (v) -使惊喜
Thrilled at seeing their idol, the teenagers screamed his name.
antique -古老的，古董的。
*This armchair is actually an expensive antique.
*The antique watch was a gift from Grandma.
obstacle - something in your way to stop you.
zipline - a lope above to connect two places, you ride on it and go cross.

Language Tips:
spoken language (informal ) : wanna, gonna, gimme, watcha...
written language : want to, going to, give me, what are you.
wanna = want to.
gonna = going to.
gimme = give me.
watcha = what are you.
What are you doing (written language ) = Watcha doing. (spoken language )
Here are some sights you won't want to miss.
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pun -谐音，冷笑话，双关语。
high tea -（英式下午茶）
high tea (pun) -（双关语）在摩天轮上饮茶。
How do you stop a charging bull? 如何阻止一支冲向你的公牛。
Take away his credit card.
charge - 有“向前冲”之意，也有'支付'之意。
charge - also refer to charge with credit card.
------------------------------------------------------------------
self -自我
selfie (n) - 自拍照。镜头对着自己拍的（照片）。
Do you like taking selfie?
She just posted another selfie on Facebook. That's her seventh selfie today!
narcissistic -自恋的放应。

Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Google Glass is a Promising Innovation

2013-11-16T16:54:00.003-08:00

Putting the Internet right before your eyes
充滿前景的創新發明：谷歌眼鏡 - 把網路直接連到眼前.

With the arrival of smartphones, our computers moved from our desktops into our pockets. Now, tech giant Google is betting that people will warm up to the idea of wearing computers on their faces in the form of Internet-connected eyewear. This new device, called Glass, looks like a pair of sunglasses from a science-fiction movie, minus the lenses.

The computer that powers Glass is built into the arm of the glasses frame, which also contains a touch pad, microphone and front-facing camera. Glass connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or to the user's smartphone by means of a Bluetooth link.

Users view Glass's display by glancing up at a small prism in the upper right corner of their field of vision. The prism displays the user's timeline, which appears as a row of cards featuring such things as current time, calendar appointments or email notifications.

Users communicate with Glass by using voice commands or by tapping the touch pad. All voice commands begin with the phrases "OK, Glass" followed by specific instructions such as "Take a picture," or "Get directions to Gino's Pizza," Thanks to the use of bone conduction, users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.

Where Glass began
Glass originated as a special project at Google X, Google's top-secret research lab. The first prototype for Glass was a 10-pound, head-mounted display. Later versions looked like swimming goggles with cellphones connected to them. The current version is a slim visor that weighs about the same as a pair of sunglasses.

First impressions
The first group of Glass testers, called Explorers, shared their experiences with Google this past spring. Several users enjoyed using Glass to take hands-free pictures and hear turn-by-turn directions while walking.
Negative experiences included low battery life and the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.

Major concerns
Despite the hype surrounding Glass, many are worried that the device's video recording function could endanger privacy. In response, a handful of U.S. lawmakers requested Google CEO Larry Page to disclose how Google will add privacy protection functions to Glass. Supporter of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do.

Glass will become available to the public sometime later this year or next. Then users can decide whether Glass is a potential spying device or an innovative tool for connecting with others and the Internet.

Language Gym:
"Supporters of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do."
"can't do anything beyond....."
This hotel isn't any better than the last one; it doesn't provide any free services beyond what the previous hotel can provide.
It's useless asking the nurse about the test result; she doesn't know anything beyond what we already know.

Vocabulary Tips:
innovation - discover new things include invention 发明, someone out there with great idea of something.改革，创新，（不可数n) ‘nova'-‘新’的意思，
*The microwave was an innovation that changed the way people prepare food.
*We provide a working environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
warm up to something or someone - slowly to get used to or knowing something or someone to team up or work together. 开始熟悉，熟络，对某对象开始喜欢或接受。
*After a couple of days at the camp, the kids warmed up to each other.
*Many people have warmed up to the idea of shopping online, but some still can't accept it.
field of vision - the area that your eye able to see it. 视野，视力能及的范围。
*A rabbit hopped into the hunter's field of vision.
*Our field of vision was blocked by the tall guy in front of us.
*Traveling can widen one's field of vision.扩大。。视野，眼界。
notification -notify. give you some information. 正式通知，正式发布。。
* Theo received a written notification that his application was accepted.
notify (v) - 通知。
*Henry was notified that he needed to report to his superior at the base.
origin -begining. 起源。
originate -originated 源自，来自。, begin, start at.
*This disease originated in Africa, but it soon spread to other countries.
originated with - 来自某人的想法。
*The idea of the movie didn't originate with the writer, but with the producer.
visor - a piece of covering material, cap. 护目镜，汽车的遮阳板。'vis' -视觉。
*The motorcycle rider raised the visor of his helmet while he stopped at the red light.
*I put down the visor because the sunlight was too bright.
hype - most popular, a trend, people excited about, getting people talk it about and interested it. 高兴致，大肆宣传，报道，天花乱坠。（不可数n）.
*The pop star created a media hype while touring in Asia. 媒体大肆宣传炒作。
*A lot of viewers went to see the movie because of the hype.
disclose -make the information to public. 'dis' -不，有否定之意。, 'close' - 封闭
*The agent disclosed to the press the signing of the pitcher's new contract.
*The police refused to disclose the details of the case.
wrap up - make it end, cover with.
warm up - take time to get use to.
prism - small area from light.
turn-by-turn direction : tell you turn right, then turn left, go straight, then turn left and turn right... give a direction step by step.
can't do more than smartphone can do - nothing more than smartphone can do.

Language Tips:
mail / letter : 信件。
mail - 邮件，不可数n.字尾不能加 's'，复数要用(pieces)。
I received seven pieces of mail today.
email （可数n., 字尾可加's' )-电子邮件。
I have 45 emails.
email message -
I have 45 email messages = I have 45 emails.
seven pieces of mail.
seven letters.
mail is included bills, statement, letter and junk mail.
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the public 公众，大众/ public : 公开。
The public is not allowed in. (American) 动词用单数。
The public are not allowed in. (English) 动词用复数
in public -在公众场所。
the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.

Note taking of Studioclassroom

New Ways to Shop for Clothes

2013-11-16T16:14:00.003-08:00

Some retailers are creating new in-store experiences
購衣革命 - 有些零售商正在打造全新的店內購物體驗.

More and more shoppers are buying things online these days, allowing them to avoid aggressive salespeople and long lines at checkout counters. In spite of online convenience, however, there are some items - like clothes - that customers prefer to examine before buying. In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores and bridge the gap between online and in-store retail.

A software company that also happens to sell designer jeans, Hointer has created a fast and painless shopping experience for its customers. The company is led by Dr. Nadia Shouraboura, a former tech executive at Amazon.

Shoppers walk into a Hointer store and select one of the many pairs of jeans hanging down from bars. Then they point their smartphones at the tag and activate the Hointer app, after which they select the size and press "try on. " The app then directs them to a specific dressing room.

German-made robots retrieve the desired jeans and deliver them through a chute to the dressing room in about 30 seconds. Immediately after unwanted pairs of jeans are dropped through another chute, the "outbox", they disappear from the list in the app.

Grammar Gym:
"In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores..."
' in light of ' - considering; because of.
In light of the investigation, witnesses have been asked not to say anything to the media.
In light of the recent discoveries in the laboratory, scientists are positive they can find a cure for the rare disease.

Vocabulary Tips:
modernize - doing something in a way that up to date. (v) 使现代化。(adj) -现代化，现代的。
*The bank did a great job modernizing its customer service system.
*The company needs to modernize if it wants to stay competitive.
bridge - make a connection between two gaps, make it connection from one point to another point.
gap - big difference, big space.
to bridge the gap - there is a space need to made a bridge.（桥梁）-把缺口，裂口连接起来。消除隔阂或分歧。
*The policy was designed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. 政策。。弥补贫富差距。
*The book talks about ways to bridge the generation gap.代沟
retailer - whole sale.
in light of - because of ..
in spite of - even though something is true but still would not prevent people to do that.
... happen to... - something happen is not expected.
chute (n) 'sut'- passage way 紧急滑道, laundry chute. 斜槽，滑道。斗坡道。
painless - without pain, not difficult.
activate - start, begin, make it start, begin to use it.启动(个人密码），开卡，开户。 "act" -行动。

Language Tips:
long lines at checkout counters -
line - 线，此指‘队伍’。
queue -‘队伍’ （英式英语）
jump the queue （英国） = cut in line （美国）.
Please Wait Here for the Next Available Agent.

Note taking of Studioclassroom

Mae Whitman

2013-11-15T15:46:00.002-08:00

You know her, but you may not know her name
梅?惠特曼 - 你認得她，但你可能不知道她叫什麼名字.

"What are you, some kind of knucklehead?" Bored at Mom's acting test, a 3-year-old responded as such to a director's empty admiration of her dress. With those words, the impressive career of actress. Mae Whitman was born and defined.

Child Actor
With a voice-artist mother and a father who builds sets, it's no surprise Whitman ended up in acting. Such parents also knew to prepare her for adult exposure early on. In her first film role, she played the daughter of Meg Ryan in When a Man Loves a Woman. Calling George Clooney father in One Fine Day and Sandra Bullock mother in Hope Floats, she won two Young Artist Awards.

Through these family dramas, her true parents supported her but were concerned when a certain alien invasion movie came knocking. At first, they were uncomfortable about letting her accept such a role, but they changed their minds after reading the script. Not yet 10, Whitman then added the president to her list of "parents" due to her part in Independence Day.

Voice Actor
Following in her mother's footsteps, Whitman also acts with her voice alone. She also started this at a young age, but her best voice roles came later. In her teens she provided the voice for Katara in the popular cartoon Avatar. The last Airbender. And she is the first person to ever voice classic Disney character Tinker Bell.

Current Actor
Now 25, Whitman continues to pursue both screen and vocal performances. Though she is in some films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, she is much more established on TV. She has a substantial part in Parenthood, now in its fifth season, and is featured in the returning series Arrested Development. Her voice is also being used in a new TV version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Making good on her parents' advice, she's invested in every role, whether live-action or cartoon, with love and hope. "Hopefully that communication has maybe made some people feel less alone." she says of her roles. Someone's grown up since waiting for Mom.

Grammar Gym:
"Through these family dramas, her true parents supported her but were concerned when a certain alien invasion movie came knocking."
"came knocking" - how something is available. or describe something or situation is near or about to happen.
As soon as Mr. Lee was ready to sell his house, offers came knocking.
Ron smokes all the time and doesn't watch what he eats, so it is no wonder health problems came knocking.

Vocabulary Tips:
admiration (n) -admire.
admiration for - 对某人或某事物赞美，钦佩，羡慕
*I have great admiration for this director.
admire (v) -赞美，钦佩，羡慕。
* I really admire your courage to try new things.
exposure - 爆光，曝光，报导，噢日宣传。"ex" -有‘向外’之意，
*Intensive media exposure made the actress a household name.
expose -揭露，曝露。
*The reporter exposed a scandal involving the governor.
invasion - invade, attack. 入侵，侵略。
*The troop's invasion of the country caused strong condemnation from many nations.
invade (v) -侵略。
*The allies invaded the capital and successfully took over the whole city.
script - lines that actor need to say.剧本，角本。一部电影，一个script。
*The movie script was written by a renowned playwright.
*The actor made up a new line which was not in the original script.
follow in someone's footsteps - you doing it the same or similar as someone already did before.效仿，步某人后尘，步某人的脚步。
*Shanna followed in her sister's footsteps and applied to Brown University.
*Ricky followed in his father's footsteps and became a teacher.
vocal -声音的。 'voc' -“声音”
*The singer underwent vocal training before she started recording her album.
vocal -直言不韪，激烈的表达意见。
*The public was quite vocal over the sudden change in the policy.
substantial -有实质的，重大的，相当程度的。
*Substantial funds were invested in this project.
*There has been substantial improvement in his health.
substance (n) -实质的，重大性，重要意义。
*Nothing of substance seems to have been achieved in the discussion.达到实质的效果。。讨论。
communication -信息，消息。
*We received your communication last Wednesday, and we're sorry that we can't attend the banquet.
communication -沟通。
*Tom needs to improve his communication skills.
empty admiration - not really appreciated. not agree with it.
empty - nothing, not agree. without.
career - not just a job, also you will doing it in most of your life time.
established - stapled. her face is showing often on TV.
make good on something - follow, do.
* His father make good on his promise of attend the game and watch he play.

Language Tips:
know-知道。
Do you know him? No, I don't know him.
know -认得。认识。曾经认识，见过，听过，能够辨认出来的。
You know her. But you may not know her name.
know of someone or something - 知道或听过。
I know of a good plumber.
know about something or someone.- 知道或听说过有关。。。隐秘的不为人知道的事。
I know about the plumber.
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advice (n) (发's') / advise (v) (末尾发 'z'，重音在第二节) - suggestion.
a piece of / a word of advice.
Let me give you a word of advice.
Here are three pieces of advice.
advice 不可数名词，不能加's'/ suggestion 可数名词，可加‘s’ :
three pieces of advice = three suggestions.
The teach advise (v) his students three pieces of advice (n).

Notes taking of Studioclassroom