Tokyo & Autism & dwindling birth rate in Taiwan...@@

A. Error correction

*South Eastern Asia/South Eastern Asian

*I went there for 7 days→I went for 7 days/ I was there for 7 days

*To me, I feel...→For me, I feel...

*I lived in Japanese hotel→I stayed in Japanese hotel

B. Vocabulary

*racist/ sexist/ ageist

→a person with a prejudiced belief that one race/sex/age group is superior to others

*maternity leave/ parental leave

Dwindling Taiwanese birth rate causes worry

A. vocabulary
* abate [v]: to become less strong
e.g. the trend shows no sign of agating
* dubious [adj]: doubtful; not thought to be true, honest, or legal
* consolidate [v]:1. to make a position of power or success stronger so that it is more likely to continue; 2. can mean combining things together to increase strength
* asset [n]: a person or thing that is valuable or useful to somebody/something
* Opt for: to choose to take or not to take a particular course of action
* dearth [n]: when there are not many or enough of something
* incentive [n]: something that encourages you to do something
e.g. The policy doesn't provide any incentive for the people.

B. Phase
* think tank: a group of experts who provide advice and ideas on political, social or economic issues
(智囊團)

20091209 1. Art 2. Korean

A.Vocabulary or phase

*art show/ art exhibition (formal use)/ galley show/ galley art

*deity (觀音/菩薩)

*organizer (of an art show)

*MOCA: Museum of Contemporary Art

*TFAM: Taipei Fibe Arts Museum

*get some advantage form Sth/ Sb

*market share 市場占有率

*fight for the advantage/ fight for their own good

*sexist: person who evaluates man more than woman

B.Sentence

* it has good symmetry/ it is symetrical

* It's OK for me/ It's acceptable to (for) me/ It's all right to me

Wii workout

A. Vocabulary:

*wee: little

*prone to: likely to show a particular negative characteristic

*point blank: directly

*bemused: slightly confused

*console: a surface on which you find the controls for a piece of electrical equipment or a machine

*tight-rope walk

*opt: choose

B. Phrase

* spit out this nugget of information

Good for what ails you

A. Vocabulary

*constipation:a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent

*diarrhea: looseness of the bowels

B. phrase

*stuffy nose

*body aches

*develop awareness

*Theory informs/develops practice and practice informs/develops theory

Eco-tourism

Vocabulary:
* pristine: pure, clean
* myriad: numerous, countless
e.g. The tool has myriad uses.
* industrious: diligent, hard-working
* well-worn: well-trodden
[註：well-trodden有negative的意味，但well-worn則為中性字。trodden來自tread]
* aboriginal people

Phrase
* hustle and bustle: busy
e.g. ...... experience the hustle and bustle of the now modern cultural capital.
* Eco travel
* buget travel

Sentences
* We went on bike.

Intonation and stress & The American school environment

A. Vocabulary

*determiner: the, an, am, a few...

*auxiliary: may, was, can, were...

*preposition: opposite, before, next...

*pronoun: they, she, us...

*stay put

*guinea pig

B. Sentence

*What's the layout of the land?/What's the situation?

*That's what Sth are for!

C. Mistake correction

*a lot of Ns

*pay attention to double last tense

*make me boring→make me bored

Discipline dilemma

A. Vocabulary

* been there, done that: you have experienced something to the point of boredom

*acronym: an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word

* resort to: to do something that you do not want to do because you cannot find any other way of achieving something

*in the heart of moment

*power struggle

*set limits

*test limits

Stress exercises & Expressing Opinions

A. Links of stress exercises

1. Sentence and phrases stress:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbs5aoqFtVQ&feature=channel

2. Youtube Jennifer

reading exercise for sentence rhythm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhRgU28n8rc&feature=channel

3. The music of English: About.com. Another rhythm exercise:

http://esl.about.com/library/speaking/blpronounce_music_text1.htm

B. Vocabulary

* content words: words that carry some meanings

* functional words: words that make grammatical structure of sentences complete

* be accountable for/ be responsible for

* hard times

* dock a pay

* open expression

* a favorable opinion

* tact

[n]

1.a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

2.a keen sense of what is appropriate, tasteful, or aesthetically pleasing; taste; discrimination.

3.touch or the sense of touch

Sentences

* They speak about/out Sth very directly

* They are less direct to say Sth

D. Mistake correction

* an appropriate situation→a suitable situation

Redwood Forest in Northern California

A. Vocabulary

* immense [adj]: extremely large

* toppled [adj]: fallen

* pristine [adj]: original and pure; not spoiled or worn from use

* pilgrim [n]: a person who journeys , esp. a long distance; a traveler or wanderer

* ramble [v]: to walk for pleasure, especially in the countryside

* public access

* station wagon

B. Sentences or phases

* rocket out of sight

* a rude awakening vs. a gentle and beautiful reminder

* Life is shorter than you imagine.

* conduct a survey for Sth

* Sunlight streamed through the trees/

the sound of wind trough the branches

* Mountains may be forever, but redwoods are alive.

* They grow, they live, they die.

* fall on hard times

* skip rocks on the lake

Lend to a friend?

A. Mistakes correction for last week
* That ok to me
> That's ok for/with me.

* The situation is the same with her.
> The situation is the same as hers.
> The situation is the same for her.

* In the classrooms had many different styles.
> The classroom has many different styles.
> There are many different styles in the classroom.

* We also need to consider a second issues.
> issues→ issue.

* Coed school also provide the opportunity to mix with the other sex.
> Coed school also provides the opportunity to mix with the other sex.

* Single sex schools will help them to concentrate more better.
> Single sex schools will help them to concentrate better.

* We must concentrate at this point.
> We must concentrate on this point

[Note from Damond: 1. 注意介系詞 2. He/She/It 說話的時候，動詞要記得加s]

B. Same pronunciation different meaning:
* Complement
* Compliment

C. Usage Problem:
* I can accept that. [Too strong]
> That's ok with me.
> That's fine for me.
> I have no problem with that.

D. Vocabulary
* Strained (adj): behaviour is not relaxed, natural, or friendly [= tense]
e.g. a strained atmosphere

* affirm (v) [formal]: 1. to state publicly that something is true [= confirm]; 2. to strengthen a feeling, belief, or idea

* resent (注意發音) (v): to feel angry or upset about a situation, especially because you think that it is not fair.
e.g. [resent (sb) doing sth] I resented having to work such long hours.

* installment (n) [BrE: instalment]: one of a series of regular payments that you make until you have paid all the money you owe

E. Sentences
* Over and done with [= it's finished]
e.g. Thank God! It's over and done with.

* Same old, same old [= as usual]

* It depends on how close we are.

* I don't know them very well. (do not use familiar...)

The school debate

A. vocabulary

*coed school, single-sex school, all-girl school, all-boy school

*opposite sex

*microcosm

[n]

1. a little world; a world in miniature (opposite to macrocosm)

2. anything that is regarded as a world in miniature

3. human beings, humanity, society, or the like, viewed as an epitome or miniature of the world or universe

B. sentences/ phrases

* Is your hypothesis/argument tight?

*come up with more ideas

*It's hard to be conclusive

*for fear of N

*Hear me out

*on the flip side

*the bottom line is that...

C. Correction

*It's a very long time since we graduated from university

Balancing your facebook

A. vocabulary

* collision [n]: damage that happens when two things hit each other with force

* disconcerting [adj]: making someone feel suddenly uncertain, embarrassed or worried

> e.g. a disconcerting question; it's disconcerting when...

* covert [adj]: hidden or secret

> e.g. a covert spy

B. sentences

* take an all-or-nothing approach

* keep the available details simple.

* you can individually tailor privacy album.

Excuses

A. vocabulary

* distinct [adj]: clearly different or belonging to a different type.

>as distinct from sth: used to make it clear that you are not referring to a particular kind of thing, but to something else. [A movie star, as distinct from an actor]

* flip sb. off (= flip sb the bird) [informal]: to make a rude sign at someone by lifting up your middle finger and keeping your other fingers down

flip [v]:

1. to move something with a quick sudden movement so that it is in a different position

2. to make a flat object such as a coin go upwards and turn over in the air.

3. to move a switch so that a machine or piece of electrical equipment starts (= flick, turn a switch; flip the switch, flip on the radio)

4. to turn the pages of a book or newspaper quickly, especially because you are looking for something (e.g. I flipped through my address book but couldn't find her phone number)

Pronunciation

* [n] apology/apologies

* [v] apologize (BrE: apologise)

Sentences

* What time did you leave?

* I'm always looking for female friends to...

* I'm a strong biker.

* You would still look good in the blue suit.

Note: can refer to the handout for how to start an excuse

1. Typical mistakes for Chinese speakers. 2. Is your Job germy?

A. Mistakes correction
*misucal movie→musical
*all week→whole week
*take time with friend→spend time with friend

B. Vocabulary
*germ
[n]
1. a microorganism, esp. when disease-producing; microbe.
2. a bud, offshoot, or seed.
3. the rudiment of a living organism; an embryo in its early stages.
4. the initial stage in development or evolution, as a germ cell or ancestral form.
5.something that serves as a source or initial stage for subsequent development: the germ of an idea.
[adj]
6.Pathology. of, pertaining to, or caused by disease-producing germs.

*garner
[vt]
1. to gather or deposit in or as if in a granary or other storage place.
2.to get; acquire; earn: He gradually garnered a national reputation as a financial expert.
3.to gather, collect, or hoard.
[n]
4. a granary or grain bin.
5. a store or supply of anything

Movie review

2009.09.23.

A. Vocabulary
* press screening(s): movies that are not yet in public
>Press [n]: people who write reports for newspapers, radio, or television.

* requisite (重音在最前面)
> [adj, only before noun] [formal]: needed for a particular purpose (= necessary)

* democratized journalism

B. phase
* white water rafting (泛舟)
* spoiler alert
* movie trailer
* office building
* first round, second round (首輪、二輪)

C. Sentences
* This place is good for people-watching.
> this means that it is a good place for you to just sit there and watch people doing things.
* Apart from horror film, I enjoy/like......
* Use you head!
* Don't lose your head!

D. Mistake corrections
* I brought one of my friend to Tainan.
> I took one of my......
* some persons
> some people (better)
* on the weekend/ last weekend

1. Boytox, Botox for Men. 2.Students Have a Ball

A. Vocabulary
*furrowed brow lines
*furrow
>[n]
1.a narrow groove made in the ground, esp. by a plow.
2.a narrow groovelike or trenchlike depression in any surface: the furrows of a wrinkled face.
>[v] (used with object)
3.to make a furrow or furrows in.
4.to make wrinkles in (the face): to furrow one's brow.
>[v] (used without object)
5.to become furrowed.
*zit
>[n] a pimple; skin blemish
*serene
>[adj]
1.calm, peaceful, or tranquil; unruffled: a serene landscape; serene old age.
2.clear; fair: serene weather.
3.(usually initial capital letter) most high or august (used as a royal epithet, usually prec. by his, your, etc.): His Serene Highness.
>[n]
4.serenity; tranquillity.
5.Archaic. a clear or tranquil expanse of sea or sky.
*demur
>[v]
1.to make objection, esp. on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object: They wanted to make him the treasurer, but he demurred.
2.Archaic. to linger; hesitate.
>[n]
3.the act of making objection.
4.an objection raised.
5.hesitation
*wimp
>[n]
1.a weak, ineffectual, timid person.
>[v]
2.wimp out,
a.to be or act like a wimp.
b.to show timidity or cowardice; chicken out.

*feeling after the pictures
> curious, fascinated, horrified, terrified, amused, funny, disgusting, grotesque(something is too much)

B. Sentences
*throw up one's hands in victory
*breath one's way through
*take a survey of

C. Mistake corrections
*I don't try it before.
>I haven't try it before.

A serious Look at Will Smith

A. Vocabulary
*elliptical
>[adj] lacking sections or explanation, and therefore sometimes difficult to understand
*harbor
>[v] to have in mind a thought or feeling, usually over a long period of time
*bank on
>[phr v] depend on
*somber
>[adj]
1.gloomily dark; shadowy; dimly lighted: a somber passageway.
2.dark and dull, as color, or as things in respect to color: a somber dress.
3.gloomy, depressing, or dismal: a somber mood.
4.extremely serious; grave: a somber expression on his face.
*entertainment industry
*highest-grossing
>[adj] earning the largest amount of money before tax is paid or costs are substracted
*high gear
>[adj] using great energy or force: keep his career in high gear


B. Sentances
*take long strides
*win over whoever is in his midst
*to do for a living

Plastic, consmetic, reconstructive surgery

2009.09.09

A. Vocabulary
* the gist
> [n] [+ of] the main idea and meaning of what someone has said or written
e.g. The gist of his argument is that...
* anesthetic [AmE]; anaesthetic [BrE]
* disfigure
> [v] To spoil the appearance that something naturally has
* tuck; tuck in
> to move a part of your body inwards so that it dones not stick out so much
* tots
* petite surgery
* astronomical number

B. Sentences
* Facial features are within the normal range
* Pros and cons
* Could you clarify that point? I'm not sure what you mean by...
*......, all in the quest for better looks.

C. Mistake corrections
* I did found...
> I did find......
* I need to took off......
> I need to take of......
* a lot of time to the toilet
> a lot of time to go to the toilet
* feels a little bit dizyness
> feels a little bit of dizyness
> feels a little bit dizzy [more common]

Presentation Skills Part II: Deal with Questions

A. Sentences
*It resolved itself.
*The problem was resolved/ sorted out.

B. Vocabulary
* recap
> [v] To recapitulate: recapped the headlines at the end of the news broadcast.
> [n] A recapitulation, as of a news report.
A quick recap/ review/ recapitulation (academical writing/ formal use)
* grumpy
> [adj] surly or ill-tempered; discontentedly or sullenly irritable; grouchy.
Also, grumpish.

C. Mistake corrections
* I joined a concert.
> I went to a concert .
* Don't swallow sounds of the end of the words.
* Anda
>And

D. Phrase
* end up with

Walking your extra weight away

2009.08.31 by Karine

A. Vocabulary
* lean
* daily nondescript activity
* fidget

B. Good sentances
* you will cultivate your own capacity to move

Presentation skills Part I

2009.08.31 by Karine

A. Useful language: refer to the handout
> NOTE: Does anyone have any questions?

B. Mistakes correction
* How to make the same vacation I had.
> How to have the same vacation I had/did.
* The same experience with me.
> The same experience as me.

C. Vocabulary
* objection:[n][C,U] a reason that you have for opposing or disapproving of something.
>> Does anyone have any objections?
* pun[n][C] an amusing use of a word or phrase that has two meanings, or of words that have the same sound but different meanings

D. Phrase
* "put someone on the spot" = put someone in a difficult position
* "once in a lifetime" vacation

The 11th Hour

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2174195060267517042

The 11th Hour is a story about our dear earth. It is a new documentary from Leonardo DiCaprio about the state of humanity and the world. I learn a lot form this movie, not only know what human kind did before, but what and how we can do in the future for the earth and for our future genrations. I am also moved by the movie and it motive me forward. This is a critical time we face. What we can do for the earth is more that waht we think. We can change the results if we can cooperate together to change our minds and behaviors. Everything we do, even small action, all has a long-term impacts to the earth. You are the critical person to the earth's future. Let's take action immediately!

Please pay attention to it!!

Dealing with difficult employees

You know, I am in trouble dealing with difficult colleague recently. My boss is also in the same situation. The Big river Group Company can help us deal with this kind of person. Let's see how they help us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_ZSOgJ6nTc

Eng Class

Yeah Yeah~ tonight is quite a happy night ^^
Lucky that we met a good English teacher~~ (at least he makes you happier ^^b)
Ruby said that she felt the time was flying. Ha ha. I have the same feeling as well~

Just write down something that I would like to remember/learn from tonight's class...

* I like to go to bungee jumping. It's exciting~

* The universal stadium is an amusement park.
-I wanna go on(/ride) a Ferris weet.
-I would ride(/go on) a roller coaster.
-I would go on a ride.

I tried to find an online collocation dictionary. This one might be the most popular one, however, it seems that it doesn't work anymore @@
http://research.iwillnow.org/project/bncrce/

----------
ps. Eva~ if I make any mistake, please help me to correct them :P
Hope that you will have a good weekend~~

50 jobs in 50 weeks: US man's economic odyssey

Thousands of people are worrying about losing their jobs everyday in this economic crisis. However, Daniel Seddiqui work in a different job in a different state every week.

The following is his story. Enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPORLmTYq-c&feature=channel_page
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iB4YChHyV6eFtnq6GZ8RKrB9TMKA

The History of Women's History

Today's topic is about "The History of Women's History" written by Borgna Brunner.
document

[Night]: We read the article about the changes of Women's history in the USA. The changes of women's status from the sixties to recent.


Vocabularies I had looked in the dictionary
* feminist: someone who supports the idea that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men.
* aspiration: a strong desire to have or achieve something.
e.g. The movement also raised the aspirations as well as the opportunities of women.


Vocabularies in question
市長： a mayor
市議員： ?? (need check)