Afghans Enjoy Rock Music Festival

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. brainchild (n.) – a product of one’s creative work or thought

    Example: The new proposal was the brainchild of the computer expert.

2. underground (adj.) – (something) done in secret

    Example: Unknown but talented bands commonly play in underground music scenes.   

3. genre (n.) – a particular type or category of literature or art

    Example: Teenagers like to listen to songs from the pop music genre.  

4. thrust (v.) – to push with force or sudden strength

    Example: He thrust his way through the crowd so he could get near the stage.

5. taunt (v.) – to insult or say unpleasant things to (a person) in a rude way

    Example: He was taunted for his strange sense of fashion.

Article
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Three decades after the music ban in Afghanistan, rock bands came together on October 1 to perform in a rock music festival coined as Sound Central, amid loud cheers from young Afghans.

The event was the brainchild of Travis Beard, an Australian photojournalist who joined a band after moving to Kabul. Inspired by the talent and dedication of the local musicians, he held music workshops and underground concerts to help local musical talents prepare for the event.

Despite the date and venue being kept secret until the last moment, Sound Central made a buzz that led to an unexpected audience of more than 450 people.

Bands from Australia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan joined together for the six-hour concert. They played various genres—from blues, indie, electronica to death metal. Many of the fans, who had never experienced live music before, danced, jumped and thrust their arms up in the air to the sound of the music. Even the security guards nodded their heads and stomped their feet.

Despite the excitement, organizers of the festival observed some Afghan rules. Alcohol was banned, and the event went to a pause twice in the afternoon to allow the Muslim call for prayer.

As Afghanistan is a conservative Muslim country, Sound Central was something new. Music in Afghanistan was banned under the Taliban regime, and until now musicians are taunted for their different clothes and hairstyles.

However, guitarist Nikita Makapenko notes how historic the event was. Rock and roll will change Afghanistan just as much as rock music has changed the world, he says.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         How do you think music affects society? Explain your answer.

·         Can you imagine what it would be like if music was banned in your country? Explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What do you think about rock music?

·         What music genres are popular with young people in your country?

Namibia’s “Miracle Doctor” Helps Restore Eyesight

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. ophthalmology (n.) [of-thuhl-mol-uh-jee] – the branch of medicine that deals with the eye and its diseases

    Example: She wants to study ophthalmology to treat her mother’s blindness.

2. miracle (n.) [mir-uh-kuhl] – any wonderful or amazing event  

    Example: It is a miracle that many survived the plane crash.

   

3. hesitant (adj.) [hez-i-tuhnt] – not sure or not decided to do something because of fear or worry

    Example: He was hesitant to ask the girl a question because she looked busy.

4. curable (adj.) [kyoor-uh-buhl] – possible of healing (usually from sickness)

    Example: People in the past suffered from many diseases that are now curable with modern medicine.

5. advocacy (n.) [ad-vuh-kuh-see] – a support for the benefit of something

    Example: The president’s advocacy is to provide jobs for the people in his country.

Article
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Thousands of Namibians suffering from blindness caused by cataract have seen the light through Dr. Helena Ndume, Namibia’s so-called “miracle doctor.”

Dr. Ndume heads the ophthalmology department of Windhoek Central, Namibia’s largest hospital.

Before she became Namibia’s “miracle doctor”, Ndume dreamt of becoming a fashion designer as a teenager. However, at the age of 15, she joined the movement for Namibia’s independence.

While in the movement, she was told by Nahas Angula, Namibia’s current Prime Minister, that as an independent country, Namibia needed doctors and not fashion designers. Thereafter, she was sent to Germany to study medicine. Upon her return in 1989, she was encouraged to focus on ophthalmology.

At first, people were hesitant to undergo eye surgeries. But after Ndume’s first successful operation, everyone started seeking her help.

Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness in Namibia. According to Ndume, it is unacceptable that many people still suffer from this condition even though it is curable.

Aside from helping Namibians in their daily lives, Ndume conduct eye operations in poor areas where people cannot afford to pay. Her advocacies have inspired international groups like Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) and Seeing Without Borders to help restore the eyesight of many Namibians.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Do you think a doctor should still help a sick person even if the person cannot pay? Explain your answer.

·         Have you ever dreamt of becoming a doctor? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What would be the effects of choosing to help other people over chasing one’s own dreams?

·         Are you willing to give up your dreams to help other people?

Mobile Phones Can Soon Replace Wallets

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. log (v.) [lawg, log] – to record a single or series of events or transactions

    Example: The computer will log all the transactions automatically.

2. tap (v.) [tap] – to lightly hit (your fingers, feet, etc.) against something

    Example: Tap his shoulder to call his attention.

3. digitize (v.) [dij-i-tahyz] – to change data into digital form for processing on a computer

    Example: Our professor wanted our group to digitize our written report.

4. trend (n.) [trend] – something that is currently popular or fashionable

    Example: Fashion trends change every season.

5. inconvenient (adj.) [in-kuhn-veen-yuhnt] – causing trouble or problems

    Example: It is quite inconvenient to live far from your workplace.

Article
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Google has recently launched its Electronic Wallet Application, which allows buyers to pay using their mobile phones instead of cash or credit cards.

Logging payments is done simply by tapping the phone on an NFC reader and entering a PIN for security. NFC reader is a device that allows wireless transaction between two devices.

Product manager of Google Wallet Marc Freed-Finnega said the app aims to digitize everything that can be found in people’s pockets—cash, credit cards, driver’s licenses, and house keys, among others—by putting them together into one mobile device.

Electronic wallet became a trend in South Korea and Japan five years ago.  It became a reality in the US when Google introduced Wallet App for Nexus S smartphones on September 6. Although few people currently use the application, Google considers this the start of a new technology.

Will Stofega, an expert on mobile technology from the analyst firm IDC, said electronic wallet technology will be a significant part of the mobile phones.

But despite its functionality, some reviewers find the system inconvenient compared to easier and quicker forms of payment. Jeff Blyskal, senior editor at Consumer Reports, has tried the application and said that electronic wallets are not going to replace real wallets. In addition, major changes in hardware must be done before electronic wallets can be used extensively.

In the future, Google plans to include loyalty cards and digital coupons into the phone app so buyers can avail of discounts from store loyalty programs using their phones. The company also plans to further develop the application, such that mobile phones with the app can function as identification cards, train or bus passes, and even house keys.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of paying through cash?

·         Do you think that payment by mobile phone would be more convenient? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of using multi-functional gadgets?

 If you were to create a new phone application, what would it be and why?

PETA Fights For Whales’ Rights

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. slavery (n.) [sley-vuh-ree] –a system in which a person is forced to work against his will

    Example: President Abraham Lincoln opposed slavery in the United States.    

2. appoint (v.) [uh-point] – choose somebody for a job or position

    Example: Mr. Chow was appointed as the new CEO of Great Foods Inc. after the retirement of Mr. Lee.

3. guardian (n.) [gahr-dee-uhn] – someone or something that watches or protects something

    Example: When I moved to another country, my aunt became my guardian.

4. accreditation (n.) [uh-kred-it-tey-shuhn] – official authorization or approval

    Example: Our school received accreditation to officially accept students.

5. plaintiff (n.) [pleyn-tif] – somebody who brings a civil action to court

    Example: The plaintiff a case against the robber.

Article
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The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and three mammal experts filed a lawsuit last October 26 against SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment for keeping five whales and forcing the animals to perform in shows.

The case is said to be the first to argue for animals’ constitutional protection against slavery. The suit asked the court to order the release of the whales as well as appoint a legal guardian who would bring them to a suitable environment.

According to PETA, SeaWorld took these marine animals out of their natural habitats to perform in SeaWorld San Diego and Orlando shows. Moreover, they were subjected to artificial breeding to produce more of their kind for SeaWorld’s profit. Forcing animals to work against their will can be considered involuntary service and slavery, which are prohibited under the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution.

SeaWorld countered by saying that the court case is baseless, because protection under the constitution applies only to humans. In addition, SeaWorld argued for the right of the public to enjoy and learn about marine mammals.

According to SeaWorld, it is legally permitted to display marine mammals. Its parks have accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

For years, US courts have considered laws related to animal ownership and cruelty applicable only to human actions. This means animals themselves could neither sue nor become defendants or plaintiffs.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What are the common animals that you see in animal shows?

·         What do you think are the effects of animal shows to animals?

Discussion B

·         Is there a law in your country prohibiting animal shows?

·         What do you think are the advantages of animal shows?

Researchers Develop Wireless Bike Brakes

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. wireless (adj.) [wahyuhr-lis] – describes devices operated through electromagnetic waves instead of wires

    Example: The wireless Internet connection in my area is unstable.

2. lever (n.) [lev-er, lee-ver] – a bar fixed at a point and used to move a weight on one end by applying force to the other end

    Example: Seesaw is an example of a lever.

3. clench (v.) [klench] – to grasp, hold, or squeeze together firmly

    Example: He clenched his fists in anger.

4. imperfection (n.) [im-per-fek-shuhn] – a small flaw or bad part

    Example: Imperfections can be avoided by conducting product tests as often as needed.

   

5. small-scale (adj.) [smawl-skeyl] – involving few things or people  

    Example: The company decided on a small-scale production of the new product to test its popularity with customers.  

Article
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Researchers have developed a wireless brake system for bikes that can be improved further for larger transports like trains and planes.

Unlike ordinary brakes activated through levers, the wireless brake stops the bike when the rider clenches on the rubber grip of the bike's handle. A pressure sensor in the bike grip activates a signal, which travels via radio waves to a receiver attached to the brake.

According to its developer, Holger Hermanns, a computer scientist from Saarland University in Germany, the system works 99% of the time. Out of the trillion times they tested its performance, only three failures occurred. Hermanns found this result acceptable, just like how irregular cellphone and laptop connections are tolerable.

To Hermanns, perfecting wireless bike brakes can open doors to its application to more complex systems. However, unlike with bikes, imperfections on wireless brakes can cause more serious trouble to trains, aircrafts and chemical factories. Hermanns suggested testing the brake system small-scale, and then applying it to more vehicles once it is perfected.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using wireless breaks in transport systems?

·         In Japan, how has transportation changed over the years?

Discussion B

·         Do you think inventions can be 100% successful? Explain your answer.

·         Would you feel safe riding a vehicle with wireless controls?

Bob Dylan Criticized for Copying in His Paintings

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. exhibit (n.) [ig-zib-it] – an object or collection displayed to the public

    Example: The painter’s first exhibit shows his unique painting style.

2. resemblance (n.) [ri-zem-bluhns] – similarity in appearance

    Example: The child has a strong resemblance to her mother.

   

3. inspiration (n.) [in-spuh-rey-shuhn] – an idea or action that causes someone to do something

    Example: He became a teacher because of inspiration from his father, a college professor.

4. community (n.) [kuh-myoo-ni-tee] – a group of people having the same interests

    Example: There are many online communities centered on pop music.

5. firsthand (adj.) [furst-hand] – based from direct or actual experience or sighting of something; original source

    Example: The book is about events that the author experienced firsthand.

Article
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Bob Dylan, a popular American singer and artist, was criticized and accused of copying existing photographs in his “The Asia Series” paintings, exhibited in the Gagosian Gallery, Manhattan.

Dylan described the painting collection as inspired by his trips to Japan, China, Vietnam and Korea. However, critics pointed out his works’ strong resemblance to several photographs by famous photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Léon Busy.

Michael Gray, a Dylan critic, argued on his blog called the “Bob Dylan Encyclopedia” that Dylan did not just use the photographs as inspiration, because he copied almost every detail of the photos. This method, Gray added, shows lack of imagination on the painter’s part.

Some of Dylan’s fans in the online community “Expecting Rain” defended Dylan’s works, saying that artists traditionally use some part of other artists’ work in their creations. However, this contradicts Dylan’s statement about the paintings being inspired by his firsthand travel experiences in Asia. 

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Why do you think some people copy?

·         Would you copy somebody else’s work to come up with something better? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What do you think makes an artwork original? Explain your answer.  

·         Do you think copying is okay in art-making? Why or why not?

Comparing Good and Bad Managers

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. expound (v.) [ik-spound] – to clarify or explain in detail

    Example: The doctor expounded on the results of his blood test.

2. sparingly (adv.) [spair-ing-lee] – in a limited manner

    Example: The supplies are limited so please use it sparingly.

   

3. reinforce (v.) [ree-in-fawrs, -fohrs] – to strengthen with some added support

    Example: The coach’s encouraging words reinforced the team’s energy.

4. ladle (v.) [leyd-l] – to impart or make known

    Example: He was ladled with praises from his co-workers for a job well-done.

5. exaggerate (v.) [ig-zaj-uh-reyt] – to make greater or more noticeable

    Example: The clothes do not suit him because they exaggerate his narrow shoulders.

Article
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Sometimes workplace problems arise not because of poorly performing employees, but because of managers who need attitude transformation. Former Fortune 500 Human Resources executive Liz Ryan further expounds on this by comparing the attitudes of good and bad managers.

At the workplace, emergencies sometimes require managers to put ongoing tasks on hold. Good managers do this sparingly, and only in times of crises. However, bad managers do it every day and forget other equally immediate tasks they had previously asked their employees to do.

As business processes and organizations become more complicated, employees need new knowledge to solve problems that may come. Good managers step in to help lead the employee to the right answers. Bad managers only demand solutions and hear only what they like.

Good managers see how disagreements between employees affect work efficiency, while bad managers see them merely as personal issues which need not be resolved.

In terms of giving feedback, good managers reinforce positive things. In contrast, bad managers rarely praise, but ladle on criticisms and exaggerate them by saying that other people share his opinion.

Lastly, bad managers emphasize that employees are lucky to have jobs at all. With the unemployment rate somewhere above 9% in the US, saying that someone unbelievably managed to stay employed can be insulting. This behavior shows that bad managers live in fear and do not see the potential in themselves or others.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What do you think makes a good manager? A bad manager?

·         Do you think it is possible to be friends with one's superiors at the workplace? Explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Should an employee resign if he/she considers his/her manager a bad manager? Explain your answer.

·         Why do you think some managers do not treat their employees well?