Chelsea Officials Not Happy with Supporters’ Chants

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

1. chant (n.) [chant, chahnt] – in sports, a series of words sung or shouted repeatedly by supporters

Example: Loud chants such as “Go team, go!” and “Fight, fight, fight!” were heard across the stadium.

2. on the bench (idiom) [on, awn] [thuh unstressed before a consonant] [bench]  – refers to a player waiting to play in the game (usually sitting and waiting on the team’s bench)

Example: As a beginner, he was on the bench all throughout the game to observe his seniors.

   

3. slur (n.) [slur] – an insult against one’s reputation

Example: The actor’s racial slur against his assistant gained much media attention.

4. accusation (n.) [ak-yoo-zey-shuhn] – a claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal

Example: His accusation was proven false due to lack of evidence.

5. tolerate (v.) [tol-uh-reyt] – to allow something bad or unpleasant to happen or be done without punishment

Example: The school does not tolerate students cheating on exams.

Article
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Chelsea Football Club officials were offended by their fans’ inappropriate chants last month during the European Champions League match against Belgian team Genk.

As reported, the fans shouted racist chants at Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand in support for Chelsea’s captain John Terry, who was on the bench all throughout the game.

The chants were linked to Terry’s alleged racial slur against Ferdinand during an English Premier League game on October 23. Terry, in his defense, denied the accusation, saying that it was only a misunderstanding.

Chelsea’s spokesperson said that the team will not tolerate such behavior even from its own supporters. On the other hand, the club manager Andre Villas-Boas insisted that he did not hear any of the chants because he was concentrating on the game.

Ferdinand said he was greatly affected by the issue, but chose not to comment further until the investigation is finished.

According to Kick It Out chairman Herman Ouseley, it is up to the Union of European Football Associations whether action should be taken on this case. He also said that Chelsea should have the initiative to apologize to Ferdinand on behalf of their supporters.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Do you think it is okay to shout out anything during a game? Why or why not?

·         Do you think supporters should also be punished when they insult a player or a team? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Do you think it’s just normal for players to use foul words?

·         What kind of punishment do you think is appropriate for players who use foul words?

India Says No to “Ragging”

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

1. rampant (adj.) [ram-puhnt] – occurring frequently or widely

Example: Rampant distribution of pirated films is a big problem for the movie industry.

2. anonymously (adv.) [uh-non-uh-muhs-lee] – in a manner of having an unknown name or identity

Example: The respondents can protect their identity by answering the survey anonymously.

   

3. shear (v.) – [sheer] to remove by cutting or clipping

Example: A sheep’s wool is sheared to make winter coats.

4. dedicate (v.) – [ded-i-keyt]  to commit in a specific thought or action

Example: The student dedicated all his time to studying so that he can succeed in his career.

5. halt (v.) – [hawlt] to cause to stop something from continuing

Article
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To end the rampant ragging in the colleges of India, members of a family victimized by the violent form of bullying have dedicated their lives to fighting it.

Ragging, a form of bullying or hazing usually done by seniors on freshmen, took the life of Rajenda Kachroo’s 19-year-old son, Aman, a first-year student in one of India’s prestigious medical schools. Over the years, ragging has led to numerous similar cases of student deaths, suicides, and even insanity.

Rajenda and his wife, Priya, were clueless about their son being ragged in school, until their son came home one day with his hair sheared off. He eventually admitted to being ragged, but assured his parents that the bullying would soon end.

True to Aman’s words, the bullying did soon end when he and his roommates were woken up one night by a group of seniors asking them to stand in a line. The seniors then beat up Aman and his friends. Aman died that night from head injury.

Because of this tragic incident, Rajenda decided to dedicate his life to stopping ragging in schools. He and his wife established an anti-ragging helpline where students can anonymously report incidents of ragging.

This is just one part of Rajenda’s contribution in halting cases of ragging. He said he will continue to fight and will not stop until the calls for help also stop.

For the last two years, the helpline has received about 250, 000 calls, with 850 serious complaints about ragging. 

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         What do you think school authorities can do to stop or prevent bullying from happening?

·         Who else do you think is responsible for handling issues of bullying?

Discussion B

·         If you were to come up with a punishment for bullying, what would it be?

·         Are you aware of any laws in your country related to bullying?

Aliens, Only a Product of the Imagination

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

1. extra-terrestrial (adj.) [ek-struh ter·res·tri·al]  – something occurring outside Earth

Example:  Astronauts explore Mars to find proof of extra-terrestrial life.

2. theory (n.) [thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] – an idea that may be possibly true if proven

Example: His theory about the cause of the new disease still cannot be proven.

   

3. testify (v.) [tes-tuh-fahy]– to make a statement based on personal knowledge

Example: The survivor testified about his experience during the car accident.

4. conscious (adj.) [kon-shuhs]– being aware of what is happening in one’s surroundings

Example: Some patients may be physically asleep but mentally conscious.

5. substantiate (v.) [suhb-stan-shee-ey]– to support with proof or evidence

Example: The crime witness’ statement must be substantiated for it to be accepted.

Article
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Extra-terrestrial experiences, such as alien abductions and UFO sightings, may only be products of the human mind.

Michael Raduga from the Out-of-Body Experience Research Center in Los Angeles conducted a study based on his theory that alien encounters are actually vivid dreams.

Raduga enlisted 20 volunteers to do several mental steps upon being half-awake at night. They were told to try separating from their bodies at this stage of sleep. If they successfully dreamt of separating from their bodies, they were instructed to look for aliens. Otherwise, they should go back to sleep and try again later.

At the end of the study, more than 50% of the volunteers were able to achieve an either full or partial out-of-the-body experience. Seven of them successfully made “encounters” with aliens.

Alexander N., one of the participants, testified about meeting aliens who only tried to scare him and did not attempt any contact. He got so frightened that he returned to his conscious self.

Raduga plans to conduct more extensive studies to substantiate his theory.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Why do you think some people believe in aliens?

·         Do you believe that there are really other life forms outside earth? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Do you think we have to see everything first before believing in it?

·         Are there things that you cannot see but still believe in? Explain your answer.

Floods Reduce Beer Supply In Thailand

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

1. ubiquitous (adj.) [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs] – existing everywhere, especially at the same time

Example: It is difficult to drive through the ubiquitous fog.

2. peak season (n.) [peek] [see-zuhn] – the time when travel is most active and rates are highest

Example: Summer is the peak season for beaches and swimming resorts.

   

3. generate (v.) [jen-uh-reyt] – to produce

Example: Creative people come up with ideas that generate income.

4. take a toll (idiom)  [teyk] [uh] [tohl] – to have a bad effect on someone or something

Example: Consecutive days of insufficient rest take a toll on a person’s health.

5. inflated (adj.) [in-fley-tid] – in economics, excessively increased in prices, amount, or value

Example: Only a really rich person can purchase that house because of its inflated value.  

Article
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The floods that devastated tourist-centered Thailand in November left the country with beer shortage, causing profit loss in its entertainment business.

Bars and supermarkets around Thailand reported beer shortages. In the capital city of Bangkok, even the ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores ran out of beer and other food supplies.

In Phuket, a main tourist destination, the "beer crisis" came at an unfortunate time, just as the country was entering its peak season. The Patong Entertainment Business Association, which generates more than $3.25 million annually, said that beer sales generate the biggest profit in the entertainment industry. As bars ran out of beer, bar owners were forced to pay inflated prices to restock. This took a toll on the pockets of the consumers, who were then charged higher prices for beer.

While Phuket worried about beer shortage, flood-hit areas in Northern and Eastern Thailand dealt with difficulties in transport due to flooded main roads.

  

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         How can production in business avoid being affected by natural disasters?

·         What can companies do to recover from losses caused by natural disasters?

Discussion B

·         Who do you think are the most affected when natural disasters happen? Why do you think so?

·         How can people affected by a natural disaster recover?

Cellphones Will Soon Have Different Vibrations

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

1. vibration (n.) [vahy-brey-shuhn] – a shaking motion

Example: Earthquakes are caused by vibrations in the ground.

2. jolt (n.) [johlt] – a sudden movement

Example: The car made a jolt as the engine was started.

   

3. subtle (adj.) [suht-l] – something not obvious or hard to detect

Example: She prefers perfumes with a subtle scent.

4. edge (n.)  [ej] – an advantage over others

Example: His ability to speak good English was his edge in getting the job.  

5. divulge (v.) [dih-vuhlj, dahy-]– to reveal (information)

Example:  One should take care not to divulge important phone numbers, key codes or passwords to people on the Internet.

Article
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Immersion, a company based in California, has developed a unique hardware technology for cell phones that may soon be used on other electronic devices. The hardware makes phones produce not only different kinds of vibrations, but also taps and rolling movements.

Immersion’s Vice President Dennis Sheehan explains that its design uses piezoelectric, a type of ceramic that produces an electric jolt when applied with pressure. Unlike the mechanism in Apple’s iPhone, Samsung’s Galaxy phone and Nokia phones, this one allows a wide variety of vibrations—from subtle to strong ones.

With varying kinds of vibration, a phone user can set a specific vibration for each contact or scroll through the menu by simply tapping the touchscreen without having to look at it.

Adding unique features such as vibration modes gives mobile devices more edge than other qualities such as design, processing speed or phone memory. These qualities, Sheehan explains, tend to be the same among different devices.

Smartphone developers are already preparing to use the new technology. However, Sheehan chose not to divulge which company will be the first to use it.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Do you think the vibration feature is necessary on cell phones? Explain your answer.

·         How do you think different vibration features help users?

Discussion B

·         Do you think people can live without cell phones? Why or why not?

·         Do you think other cell phone features (games, GPS, wi-fi, etc.) are necessary? Explain your answer.  

Brothers Fought On Opposite Sides of the War

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

1. veteran (n.) [vet-er-uhn, ve-truhn] – a person who served in the military

Example: The veteran showed the scars he got in the war.   

2. greener pastures (idiom) [green-uhr] [pas-chers, pahs-] – a better situation, especially in employment

Example: Many scientists seek greener pastures abroad because of the lack of opportunities back home.

   

3. thwart (v.)  [thwawrt]  – to prevent (someone) from doing something or to stop (something) from happening

Example: In the movie, the villain’s plan to take over the world was thwarted by the hero.

4. poignant (adj.) [poin-yuhnt, poi-nuhnt] – causing a strong feeling of sadness

Example: The poignant ending of Romeo and Juliet made my sister cry.     

5. animosity (n.) [an-uh-mos-i-tee]  – a feeling of strong dislike that tends to display itself in action

Example: Even though years have gone by, there is still animosity between the two rivals.

Article
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The Oka brothers' story during the Second World War proves that even war cannot destroy the bond of family.

All seven Oka brothers served as soldiers on opposite sides of the war between the US and Japan. For these veterans, the memories of the war remain vivid.

The Oka brothers were second-generation Japanese-Americans born to native Japanese parents, who operated a migrant labor hotel in California. After the business failed, the whole family went back to Japan.

In the 1930s, three of the brothers—Isao, Masao, and Don—returned to the US in search of greener pastures. However, the war broke out in 1941, thwarting the brothers’ dreams once again.

Isao, Masao, and Don were eventually recruited to the US Military Intelligence Service as language specialists. Back home, their two younger brothers, Teiji and Takeo, served for the Japanese navy and army, while the youngest ones, Ted and Dan, were spared because of their age. However, after the war, Ted and Dan came back to the US as American citizens and later served for the US in the Korean War.

One of Don Oka's poignant memories of the war involves a crossfire encounter with one of his brothers. While stationed in Tinian Islands, Japanese planes—the ones piloted by Don’s brother, Takeo—ambushed Don’s troop. Don remembers running for cover as bullets from planes came shooting towards them. After the war, he found out that his brother Takeo was shot down after returning to base.

His other brother, Teiji, also died in the war after his ship sailing towards Okinawa was attacked and sunk by American planes in 1945. Teiji incurred wounds that caused his death several years later.

Though Don dislikes the war for causing animosity and tearing families apart, he is proud of all his brothers' achievements. He says they were just called to do the job, and they did it.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         How do you think the government can show its gratitude toward war veterans?

·         How do you think war affects a person’s attitude?

Discussion B

·         If you were in a similar situation as the Oka brothers, would you still fight in the war even if you know you have brothers on the opposing side?

·          How important is family in your culture?

Cheaper Solar Panels Now Replacing Solar Thermal Plants

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

1. panel (n.) [pan-l] – one of the flat pieces that make up a door, wall, or ceiling

Example: Solar panels are usually placed in the rooftop of a house or a building.  

2. economical (adj.)  [ek-uh-nom-i-kuhl, ee-kuh-] – used to describe a product that is not expensive to own and use

Example: Many modern innovators are coming up with products that are economical.

   

3. plunge (v.) [pluhnj] – to suddenly decrease or drop in amount, value, etc.

Example: The production of rice plunged due to floods encountered in agricultural areas.

4. prefer (v.)  [pri-fur]  – to choose whatever is more important or has more value

Example: I prefer using laptops than desktop computers because they are more convenient. 

5. stick to (phrasal v.) [stik] [too; unstressed too, tuh] – to continue doing or using (something)

Example: I chose to stick to the same milk brand because of its quality.

Article
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As prices of solar panels drop, more companies are abandoning solar plants for the more economical source of alternative energy.

Bloomberg New Energy Finance reports that several companies in the US have cancelled plans to build solar thermal plants, which generate energy from steam by boiling water using sunlight reflected from mirrors. This trend has happened in Germany as well.

China’s active production of solar panels has caused the price drop. As a result, cost of energy from solar panels plunged by about 41% over the past two years, still lower compared to the cost of energy from solar thermal plants, which has dropped by 31%.

In places like Hawaii and Italy where there is abundant sunshine and high electricity rates, consumers prefer installing rooftop solar panels instead of paying local power suppliers for their electricity. Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that by 2015, solar panels will cost as much as main energy sources in the US, Europe and Japan.

However, some companies stick to solar thermal plants, mainly because of power plants’ efficient storage capacity.  Thermal plant builders are also innovating to be competitive. New methods of construction that cut costs are currently being implemented. 

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Which do you think will be more advantageous, thermal plants or solar panels? Why?

·         Which do you prefer, solar thermal plants or solar panels? Why?

Discussion B

·         Do you think using solar panel energy would benefit a company? Why or why not?

·         What do you think are the disadvantages of using energy from solar panels?