Names Help Shape People’s Lives

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

1. avenue (n.) [av-uh-nyoo, -noo] – a means of achieving something or a way to a particular goal

Example: His patience and hard work served as avenues to his great career.

2. gifted (adj.)  [gif-tid]– having a special talent, ability or intelligence

Example: The child is truly gifted, because he can play all kinds of musical instruments.

3. initial (n.) [ih-nish-uhl] – the first letter of a name or a word

Example: The initials of the late US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy are JFK.

4. appealing (adj.)  [uh-pee-ling]  – attractive or pleasing

Example: The restaurant decorations were very appealing and invited more customers than usual.

5. inclined (adj.)  [in-klahynd] –having preference or more interest on something

Example: He enjoys watching orchestra performances because he is more inclined to classical music.

Article
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Researchers in the US and UK say that choosing appropriate names for babies has a good effect on their future. According to a study by David Figlio, a professor at Northwestern University, Illinois, although a name is not an instant avenue to success, a good name can make a child’s life easier. For instance, the National Bureau of Economic Research learned that some teachers may give different treatment to children with certain letter combinations in their names.  Other children without interesting names may be left unnoticed no matter how gifted they are, which may lead to poor grades during exams. A research in 2006 also showed that a child’s last name could affect his or her performance in school. Those whose initials are letters at the beginning of the alphabet (such as A and B) are often associated with being at the “top” or “first” in class and get more of their teacher’s attention. These kids are usually seated in front of the classroom where they get to study better. They are also more likely to become professors in universities or Nobel Prize awardees. Additionally, names can give an idea on what people’s future jobs will be. Figlio says girls with feminine-sounding names are more inclined to take English courses rather than Math and Sciences. However, choosing a name can still be difficult, which is why many parents look to the Internet for help. One survey says that 64% of respondents consulted Google on whether the baby names they thought of were good or bad. With over 4 million babies born in the US each year, it is understandable why parents want to give their babies’ appealing names that stand out.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Aside from those mentioned in the article, what do you think are the other advantages and disadvantages of having a unique name?

·         If you had a choice, would you change your name? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Do you agree that one’s name can really affect one’s future? Why or why not?

·         How do you think a name can affect a person’s character?

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Livesense President is Youngest CEO in Tokyo Stock Exchange List

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

1. pursue (v.) [per-soo] – to try to reach a goal over some time

Example:  He studied very hard to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

2. certified (adj.) [sur-tuh-fahyd] – having the authority to perform a certain task

Example: Doctors should be certified before they can work in hospitals.

3. charge (v.) [chahrj] – to ask for payment

Example: The store charged him twenty dollars for shoes.

4. inquiry (n.) [in-kwahyuhr-ee] – a question

Example: The University now accepts inquiries for next semester’s enrollment.

5. secondhand (adj.) [sek-uhnd-hand] – previously used by another person

Example: Secondhand phones cost less because they are already used.

Article
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At 25 years old, Taichi Murakami is the youngest person to head a company included in the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Mothers market. His company, Livesense Inc., was added to the list on December 7, 2011, after his years of hard work. According to the young entrepreneur, it was his childhood dream to become a company president. He pursued this dream early on, managing to get himself certified in bookkeeping in his high school years.  In 2005, he won a business plan contest sponsored by the Daiwa Institute of Research. His winning concept was later used to create the Internet-based service Livesense in 2006. Murakami was just a freshman then at Waseda University. Livesense’s first service, started by Murakami at 19, was “Jobsense”, a website where people could search for part-time job offers. Typically, businesses are charged fees to post their information on web advertisements, but Jobsense only collected fees when people sent inquiries and other responses to the ads.  The idea was not new, Murakami says, but Livesense profited because of its good web marketing techniques and well-developed services. Since then, Livesense has expanded to web services such as selling secondhand cars and other properties. Murakami’s love for his work paid off by the end of 2010, as the company generated a net profit of ¥100 million. The company is also performing well on the stock market, starting at ¥1800 per stock on its first trading day, and reaching values above ¥2,500 in early 2012. With his success, Murakami hopes to set an example and inspire younger generations to start their own businesses.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think there is a difference in the way young people and older people run a company? How would they be similar or different?

·         Would you like to work for a company where the president is younger than you? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the factors that make businessmen or businesswomen successful?

·         If you could start your own business, what kind of business would you do? Why?

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Two Sports Officials Reprimanded by IOC

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

1. in hot water (idiom) [in hot wot-er] - in a difficult situation in which one is likely to be punished

Example: All of us employees have to follow company rules  to avoid being in hot water.

2. documentary (n.) [dok-yuh-men-tuh-ree, -tree] – video presenting facts and information, especially about a political, historical, or social issues

Example: A documentary about Asian Cultures was shown on TV last night.

3. reprimand  (v.) [rep-ruh-mand] – to formally disapprove a wrongdoing

Example:  The mayor reprimanded his staff because they were always late for work.  

4.  minutes (n) [min-its] –  record of meeting; an official record of what is said or done during a meeting Example: We could see what we discussed on the minutes of yesterday’s meeting.

5.  mitigate (v.) [mit-i-geyt] – to make an offense or crime less serious to make something less harsh, severe, or violent

Example:  The patient was given medicine to mitigate his stomach pains.

Article
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) penalized two world sports officials for receiving personal cash payments from the sports marketing agency International Sports and Leisure (ISL). The IOC Ethics Commission investigated IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) president Lamine Diack and (CAF) Confederation of African Football head Issa Hayatou who were in hot water after a television documentary accused the two of taking money from the ISL in the 1990s. Hayatou was eventually reprimanded while Diack received a warning as a result of the investigation. IOC President Jacques Rogge said that their acceptance of the money can be considered a conflict of interest because ISL was a promoter of sports events that had FIFA, IAAF and other sports associations as clients. In other words, Diack and Hayatou may have accepted money so that ISL can continue doing business with their organizations.    Hayatou admitted to receiving 100,000 French francs from ISL in 1995, but said that it was used to celebrate CAF’s 40th anniversary and was not for his personal benefit. As evidence, he presented minutes of a meeting in 1998 and a note from CAF Finance Director. IOC, however, could not prove through the evidence if money was really given to the CAF fund. Meanwhile, Diack confirmed that in 1993, an ISL executive gave him $30,000 and 30,000 French francs, but that the money was a gift to help rebuild his house that burnt down. He explained that the marketing contract between ISL and IAAF signed later in that same year had no connection with the donation given to him. According to Rogge, the fact Diack and Hayatou were not IOC members at the time they received money from ISL, however, mitigates their offenses. Though given penalties by the IOC executive board, Diack and Hayatou will remain as IOC members.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·          Do you think the decision of the IOC to only give the officials warnings was fair? Why or why not?

·         What would you do if you were reprimanded for something that was not your fault? ?

Discussion B

·         What do you think should be done to an official or important person who shows negative behavior?

·         Do you think your country fairly and properly gives punishments to violating officials? Why or why not?

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"Finding Nemo" Characters Under Threat of Extinction

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

1. extinction (n.) [ik-stingk-shuhn]  – (in biology) the death, loss or disappearance of an entire species or population

Example: The extinction of dinosaurs happened 65 million years ago.

2. defy all odds (idiom)  [dih-fahy awl odz]  – to succeed against difficult challenges or situations

Example: He defied all odds by surviving the car crash.

3. teem (v.) [teem] – to be abundant or many

Example: The forest teems with beautiful, hundred-year-old trees.

4. denizen (n.) [den-uh-zuhn] – one that lives in a certain place; a resident

Example: The denizens of the apartment building welcomed the new comer.

5. array (n.) [uh-rey] – a large and impressive group of things

Example: The variety show featured an array of famous performers.

Article
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A study finds that a number of well-liked sea creatures in the movie “Finding Nemo” are actually in danger of extinction. The Disney/Pixar animated film "Finding Nemo" touched audiences with its story about a clownfish defying all odds to save his son who has become a victim of the aquarium industry. However, unlike the movie that teems with colorful and lively undersea animals, 16% of the creatures featured in the movie face the threat of extinction in their actual habitat as revealed in a study by scientists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Canada’s Simon Fraser University. Popular sea denizens like sharks, manta rays and turtles are in even more danger. An array of reasons has contributed to the decrease in these species, such as the high demand in Asia for shark meat, illegal animal trade, and commercial development that destroys the homes of marine life. Although the movie’s message was about marine life conservation, the demand for clownfish in the aquarium industry boomed after the movie came out. According to IUCN, the “Nemo” clownfish is not in danger yet, but the survival of 18% of other clownfish-related species is already threatened. Marine biologist Boris Worm says that people might have interpreted how to care for these creatures the wrong way. Instead of trying to preserve sea animals in their natural environment, people would rather own or keep the animals for personal enjoyment. Co-author of the study Nicholas Dulvy says the research on “Nemo” emphasizes the difficulty of saving popular sea creatures. Despite people’s conservation efforts, human interest in them is also preventing their growth at the same time.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

●     Do you think movies about animals can help in wildlife conservation efforts? Please explain your answer.

●     In what other ways can people promote wildlife conservation?

Discussion B

●      Is it important to protect marine animals? Why or why not?

●     How would humans be affected if many sea animals go through extinction?

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Better Laptop Designs to Be Released This Year

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

1. revolutionary (adj.)  [rev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-ee] – extremely new or different

Example: The invention of the telephone was revolutionary because it changed the way we communicate.

2. decline (v.) [dih-klahyn] – to move towards a downward direction

Example: Product sales declined this month due to the typhoon.

3. hybrid (adj.) [hahy-brid] – something made from the combination of two different things

Example: Hybrid cars are powered by gasoline and electricity.

4. mainstream (adj.) [meyn-streem] –accepted or preferred by most people

Example: Pop music is considered mainstream form of music.

5. sleek (adj.) [sleek] – stylish and attractive

Example:  She bought a cellphone with a simple but sleek design.

Article
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According to technology industry analysts, the most revolutionary designs in portable computers will be released in 2012. However, buyers are advised to wait until the end of the year to purchase these products at their best value. The biggest change in laptops will come from the influence of Apple's MacBook Air, as PC creators release the thin and light “ultrabook.” Super slim ultrabooks, introduced a decade ago by Apple, weigh less than 3 pounds, but still have the speed and power of larger laptops, and with at least 5-hour battery life. Other devices to revolutionize the PC industry are hybrid ultrabooks -- ultrathin laptops with screens that can be lifted off and used as PC tablets. Microsoft is scheduled to release hybrid ultrabooks by October 2012 after it releases its Windows 8 tablet. There will also be a new demand (especially from students) for thin and light laptops with similar capacity as netbooks, which became popular three years ago but eventually declined because of tablets. These laptops are as light as MacBook Air but with slow processors and small storage and sold at cheaper prices. However, ultrabooks might still be too expensive for the mainstream buyers. Already released  ultrabooks  such as Acer's S3 and Asus' UX31 cost between $899 to $1,299. Analysts advise people to wait until the last few months of the year when companies are likely to release updated models that can be bought at more affordable prices.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

●      Would you want to purchase an ultrabook? How about a hybrid ultrabook? Please explain your answer.

●      What kind of laptop computers do you think will be released in the future?

Discussion B

●      How would you describe the changes in gadget designs throughout the years?

●      Do you think that the smaller and lighter a gadget is, the better it is? Please explain your answer.

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Comedy Schools, Booming Business in Japan

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

1. contemporary (adj.) [kuhn-tem-puh-rer-ee] –  something that belongs to a present time

Example:  Some contemporary artists use technology in their crafts.

2. conglomerate (n.) [kuhn-glom-er-it] – a large organization composed of companies that do various businesses or commercial activities

Example:  The companies joined together to establish a conglomerate that captures a wider market.

3. antic (n) [an-tik] –  a playful and funny act that often draws attention

Example: As a comedy actress, Amanda easily made audiences laugh with her different antics on stage.

4. wacky (adj.) [wak-ee] – something that does not appear serious; strange and out of this world

Example:  Her role in the stage play was a wacky student who talked and laughed loudly.

5. live on (v.) [liv on] -  to continue to live or exist despite difficulties or the passing of time

Example: The movie was about a man and a woman whose love lived on despite the hardships brought by World War I.


Article
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Actors in the booming comedy business in Japan learn their trade in a school built especially to help them become professional comedians. The New Star Creation (NSC), established in 1982, has produced a number of famous actors—from Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada of the duo Downtown to more contemporary acts like Peace and Hannya. With comedians making up 70 to 80% of TV personalities in Japan—cracking jokes and hosting in various shows, many Japanese are trying their luck in this career. Taiki Momino, instructor at NSC, says some 700 students enroll in their school every year.   Before, comedians would train and live with a master. This would include doing chores for the master like cooking or cleaning, said Hiroshi Osaki, president of entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo, Ltd. — the largest agency of Japan’s most famous comedians. It soon became clear that this method no longer worked for modern actors. This paved way to the establishment for NSC in the 1980s. NSC allowed beginner comedians to share their humor and antics with teachers and fellow students. There are five kinds of classes in the school: manzai (duo performance where one actor plays a wacky character, and the other a serious one) and sketch classes, acting, voice and music, dance, and special topic classes. Momino admits teaching people to be funny is not possible. But he and other teachers can still give advice on the students’ performances and help them improve. But only a few of the hundreds that enter NSC each year truly become successful comedians, says instructor Masanori Honda. For the past three decades, NSC has been teaching discipline and the right attitude to aspiring artists, and Honda hopes these values live on in them. With branches in Tokyo and Osaka, the NSC school continues to prepare students for their future occupations as comedians.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, is it difficult to become a comedian?

·         Do you think comedy can be learned?

Discussion B

·         What kind of programs do you think should be shown on TV more often? Why?

·         Do you think that television networks in your country offer high quality shows to their audiences? Why or why not?

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Modernized Yoga Poses for Exercise

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

1. modern (adj.) [mod-ern] – relating to a well-developed or advanced form or style

Example: The mobile phone is the modern form of the telephone.

2. dynamic (adj.) [dahy-nam-ik] – having or showing continuous change

Example:   Every economy experiences the dynamic rise and fall of market prices

3. in harmony (idiom) [in hahr-muh-nee] – in agreement or in combination with other parts or elements

Example: The dancer performed in harmony with the music.

4. meditation (n.) [med-i-tey-shuhn] – the act of thinking deeply and quietly, usually for a spiritual purpose

Example: Every night, he undergoes meditation and thinks about what he has experienced in the day.

5. modify (v.)  [mod-uh-fahy] – to change

Example: The game’s difficulty was modified so young children could play it.

Article
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Power yoga, a modern form of yoga, has grown in popularity as a form of exercise because of the dynamic flow of its poses. This kind of yoga became more accessible to people in the West by the start of the 21st century, and has since been taught and practiced in gyms in many countries. Originally, yoga was done for spiritual gain, but today, people are mainly interested in doing power yoga for exercise because of its Vinyasa- styled poses. These Vinyasa or “breath-matching” poses are focused on improving strength and flexibility, and are always performed in harmony with one’s breathing. For example, in the Cat-Cow Stretch, the Cat pose is made upon inhaling, and the Cow pose upon exhaling. A more complicated series of poses is the Sun Salutation. There are several connected movements in the Sun Salutation, three of which are the Plank, the Four-Limbed Staff Pose and the Upward Facing Dog. The first pose, the Plank, strengthens the arms and the spine. Next is the Four-limbed Staff Pose, or Chaturanga Dandasana, a pose similar to a push-up, which is used to strengthen the arms, wrists and abdomen. Finally, the Upward Facing Dog involves a backbend, which promotes flexibility of the spine. Although the poses in power yoga change from teacher to teacher, it is important that the yoga is started with 3 to 6 sets of Sun Salutations, and ends with at least 5-minute Savasana or meditation. Many people whose bodies are already in good condition try power yoga as a challenge. However, the exercises in this form of yoga can be modified according to a person’s fitness level, and can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a good way to exercise.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Would you consider trying power yoga exercises? Why or why not?

·         Can you think of other exercises similar to power yoga?

Discussion B

·         Is exercise alone enough to stay healthy? Why or why not?

·         What kinds of exercises do you do in order to keep yourself healthy?

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