Video Game Chief to Become Next Sony President

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

1. unanimously (adv.) – without opposition; done in a manner in which everyone share the same opinion or decision

Example: Our team won after the judges unanimously voted for us.

2. succeed (v.) – to replace another in office or position

Example: The president’s son will succeed him when the right time comes.

3. manufacturing (n.) – the making of raw material  into a useable product

Example: Manufacturing of certain plants into medicine is an important industry nowadays.

4. shut down (idiom) – to stop operating; to close down

Example: The company was forced to shut down because it was losing money.

5. internal (adj.) – inside; within something

Example: Employee complaints are internal problems which should be solved by the management.

Article
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The Sony board of directors has unanimously decided to make its video game executive Kazuo Hirai the next president and chief executive of the company. As Sony’s new CEO, he will be in charge of saving the company from years of losses. On April 1, 2012, Hirai will succeed Howard Stringer, who has been the chief executive since 2005. Hirai had long been expected to become the next CEO because of his success in overseeing the development of the company’s portable PlayStation system. By taking over the company, Hirai will be responsible for Sony’s current struggles against its rivals. Sony, which introduced the Walkman in the 1970s, has been unable to make products that successfully compete with Apple’s portable music players and smartphones. Sony televisions, on the other hand, have also been losing to TVs made by South Korean competitors, Samsung and LG. Other factors have also led to Sony suffering many profit losses through the years. The March 11 disaster had stopped the production in 10 Sony manufacturing plants in Northern Japan. In addition, the high value of yen made it hard for the company to attract foreign clients. Furthermore, Sony’s popular PlayStation Network was also forced to shut down for two months, after a hacker attacked the exposed personal data from over 70 million users. According to Stringer, however, Hirai’s biggest challenge will be the internal rivalry and lack of teamwork among Sony’s different product divisions. Under Stringer, the company has tried to combine its hardware business with its music, movies and video game businesses, with only some success. In his statement, Hirai said that he will continue on the path set by Stringer’s strong leadership, and focus on the growth of Sony’s electronics business.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         If you were offered to be the next company president, would you accept the job despite the problems facing the organization?

·         What qualities should a company president look for in his successor?

Discussion B

·         What do you think is the topmost reason which weakens a company?

·         How can a company have a strong organization?

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Buddhist Monks Find Partners in Matchmaking Service

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

1. inherit (v.) –to receive  a property or a title from someone who has passed away or who has given up a position

Example: My friend inherited all the properties of her grandfather after he passed away.

2. desperate (adj.) –having an urgent need or desire

Example: The students grew desperate waiting for the results of their exams.

3. preservation (n.) – the act of keeping the original form or use of something

Example:  People who fight for the preservation of wildlife made a campaign against pollution.

4. tradition (n.) – an established way of thinking, acting or doing things

Example: It is our tradition to have a family reunion every January of the year.

5. indicate (v)-  to state or express something briefly

Example: The employee indicated in his report a short description of the product.

Article
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Many Buddhist sects in Japan are now offering free matchmaking services to help monks find partners. In the country, relatives of monks usually inherit the responsibility of taking care of temples. However, the number of such family members has been decreasing, and as a result, monks have become desperate to find wives. The monks must produce successors for the preservation of tradition, and also to prevent their temples from closing or combining with other temples. Due to the absence of caretakers, Koyasan Shingon, a Buddhist sect with headquarters in Wakayama Prefecture, already has 800 out of its 3,700 temples throughout Japan being supervised by other temples. Takua Kamei from Kongobuji, Shingon’s head temple, said that monks are so focused on their religious duties that they have only few opportunities to meet and form relationships with the opposite sex. He also said that the lack of caretakers is causing concern for families known as danka, which for generations have provided voluntary financial support to Buddhist temples. In April 2009, Kongobuji became part of the matchmaking service to help find partners for its monks and their sons and daughters. With the service’s help, two couples married, while another two started dating. By December 2011, 80 monks were registered for the matchmaking service.   Individuals who would like to participate are required to submit forms containing their personal information to the temple. They must also indicate in their applications whether they are willing to live with in-laws or be adopted by their partner’s families. Other temples have also joined matchmaking services. Nishi Honganji, the head temple of the Shin Buddhism sect in Kyoto, has twelve couples who decided to get married after going through its matchmaking service. Meanwhile, the Nicherin Sect, which has organized yearly matchmaking parties since 2008, has successfully paired up two couples.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think that matchmaking services can successfully bring people together in a relationship? Why or why not?

·         What are other possible venues where one could meet their future partners in life?

Discussion B

·         Is it important to preserve tradition? Why or why not?

·         Can you think of traditions in your country that should no longer be kept? Please explain your answer.

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Twitter Censors Tweets In Some Countries

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

1. censorship (n.) – the act of preventing material or information from being fully seen, read or heard; the removal of offensive material

Example:  In strict countries, news programs cannot report information against the government because of media censorship laws. 

2. applaud (v.) – to give praise or express approval

Example: The board members applauded the excellent project proposal.

3. idealistic (adj.) – having a belief in what is ideal or perfect

Example: Critics believe that a quick recovery of the economy within a short period of time is too idealistic.

4. cooperate (v.) – to be willing to help or work with someone

Example: The witnesses cooperated with the police by describing the criminal in detail.

5. stifle (v.) – to prevent or to restrain by force

Example: He stifled his laugh to avoid disturbing the ceremony.

Article
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Short-messaging service giant Twitter recently announced that it will allow the censorship of messages within specific countries. While the policy change has angered those who believe in free speech, countries that promote censorship applaud the decision. Twitter plans to further expand internationally and reach a higher number of users, and countries may be more welcoming if Twitter’s service allows messages to be censored. The new policy will make sure Twitter messages or “tweets” are seen by as many people as possible, while still following local laws in each country.  Through the new Twitter censorship option, a tweet can be blocked in countries where the message is unlawful. Twitter then posts a censorship notice for the removed tweet. Other than that, the original tweet can still be seen elsewhere in the world. One country that praises Twitter’s new feature is China, whose strict rule on Internet censorship has been called the “Great Firewall of China” by Internet freedom fighters. According to a newspaper run by the Chinese government, unlimited freedom is too idealistic, even for the Internet. The newspaper adds that Twitter has to put primary focus on being a business and not on being a tool that gives everyone complete freedom of expression. Another supporter of the new policy is Thailand's technology minister Anudith Nakornthap, who believes that this is a good development. He says that by cooperating with different governments, Twitter will not violate the basic rights of those using social media. For years, Twitter has proven to be a powerful tool that lets people around the world freely express ideas and organize mass movements. However, global activists fear that Twitter’s new policy on censorship might stifle people’s freedom of speech, and some are making plans to boycott Twitter.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

●      Why do you think Twitter (or other social media sites) is popular?

●      Do you agree with Twitter’s decision to follow countries’ censorship laws in order to expand business? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

●      What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of censorship from social media sites like Twitter, YouTube and Facebook?

●      Do you believe people should have unlimited freedom of expression? Why or why not?

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Greece Approves New Money-Saving Measures For 2012

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

1. bailout (n.) –a financial rescue by a person or company to help another person or company out of financial difficulties

Example: The small company asked for bailout from larger partner corporations to avoid losing money.

2. austerity (n.) – in economics, it is a thrift or cost-saving plan or policy

Example: As a form of austerity to cut energy cost, some establishments make use of only natural lighting during the day,

3. clash (n.) –a verbal or physical conflict with somebody

Example: The politicians from opposing parties had a clash of words during their argument.

4. vandalism (n.) –willful destruction of somebody else's property

Example: Some students were punished for their vandalism of University property.

5. pledge (v)- to promise something sincerely

Example: The city mayor pledged to give donations to the victims of the recent flood.

Article
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Greek officials approved new austerity measures despite angry protests from citizens. Greece currently owes a total of €330 billion in debt, and eurozone nations want to see money-saving laws enforced, before they can agree to a bailout deal for the country. As police were controlling demonstrators in the streets, lawmakers passed austerity plans that aim to heavily cut down government spending. Greece needs to save money because it has to repay €14.5 billion of its debt by March. In effect, citizens’ pensions and wages will also be reduced.  The outbreak resulted from people's frustration over their financial struggles that never seem to end. In Athens, the number of people who are becoming poor and homeless is increasing day by day. Now, with the austerity measures, people will have to make more sacrifices. Several establishments including a bank, cafes and a movie theatre were set on fire. Twenty-five protesters and 40 officers were injured in the clashes while 30 people were arrested by authorities. Greek prime minister Lucas Papademos said he would not tolerate vandalism and violence amid such an important period in Greece. Before Parliament voted on the austerity laws, Papademos told lawmakers that Greece needs the eurozone’s bailout deal, despite how tough the austerity measures will be on citizens. Without the bailout, the Greek government will not be able to pay salaries and provide basic services. The €130 billion bailout package is expected to put Greece back on stable ground, and   also help reduce Greece's debts from the current 160% of Gross Domestic Product, to 120% of GDP by 2020. But even if Parliament has voted to push through with the austerity plans, eurozone nations will only give bailout if Greece can continue meeting requirements. According to Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg and head of Europe’s group of finance ministers, Greece's political leaders must pledge that they will continue to carry out the measures even after the upcoming Greek elections. Analysts, however, warned that Greece has already had difficulty keeping up with a previous bailout plan in 2010, and additional austerity and economic reforms would only make its people suffer even more.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Why do you think countries spend more than they afford?

·         What services or projects do you think governments should prioritize? Why?

Discussion B

·         Would you be willing to sacrifice your earnings to help solve your country’s economic problems?

·         Can you think of ways how you can help strengthen the economy of your country?

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Scientists Reach Buried Lake in Antarctica

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

1. drill (v.) – to use a machine or tool to make a hole

Example: The workers drill for oil using heavy machines.

2. buried (adj.) – hidden or covered

Example: His bed was buried under piles of clothes.

3. analogous (adj.) – similar in some aspects

Example: Some cellphone keypads are analogous to keyboards.

4. contamination (n.) – act of polluting with unwanted substances

Example: Food contamination can be avoided by sealing food in tight containers.

5. alter (v.) – to change

Example: The operator altered the machine’s speed to increase production.

Article
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After years of drilling through Antarctica’s deep glaciers, a team from Russia’s Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) has successfully reached the surface of Lake Vostok. The body of water has been buried underneath 13,000 feet of ice for 20 million years. According to John Priscu, a microbiologist from Montana State University, the study of the lake gives scientists a chance to discover new life forms. Scientists also predict that the conditions in the lake are analogous to those in the icy waters of Mars or Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Any sign of life found in Lake Vostok could then suggest the possibility of life outside Earth. The Lake Vostok project started with scientists initially drilling through 6,060 square miles of ice in 1998. However, after reaching 11,800 feet, they were forced to stop until they could find a way to prevent water contamination. Scientists from the international community were worried that anti-freeze chemicals used in drilling, such as kerosene, would mix with the water. Russian scientists eventually came up with a plan to avoid the problem. The Russian team decided to use a sensor that detects the presence of free water. When the sensor alerted scientists that water was close, the drill was removed completely. The altered pressure then caused the lake water to rise through the hole and to quickly freeze, blocking chemicals from flowing down into the lake. ­ The researchers had been working at the Vostok station despite the start of the Antarctic winter, wherein temperatures reach up to -80F. They will be returning to study the frozen water samples in December 2012, when the weather is warmer and working conditions are less dangerous. Aside from AARI, other teams of scientists are competing to be the first to reach the hidden  glacial lakes in Antarctica. The British Antarctic Survey is trying to uncover Lake Ellsworth, while US scientists are involved in the Whillans Ice Stream expedition.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Why do you think scientists are eager to find proof of life on other planets?

·         Do you believe that we can live on other planets someday? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What could be the effects if scientists continue to study unexplored places on earth?

·         Do you think these places are better left alone to protect them from contamination? Please explain further.

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Graffiti Artist Cheers Up Tohoku Residents with His Art

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

1. optimism (n.) – hopefulness; the thought that everything will turn out well

Example:   Despite failing the first project, he had optimism he will be successful.

2. household (n.) – a group of persons living together in one house

Example: My parents and I are the only members of our household.

3. adventurous (adj.) – having or showing a quality that is exciting and not common

Example:  The building’s triangular shape is a very adventurous design.

4. uplift (v.) – to fill with high or hopeful emotions

Example: The music was able to uplift his mood.

5. devastating (adj.) –  shocking or upsetting

Example:   She received devastating news that her brother had died.

Article
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Hamilton Yokota, a Japanese-Brazilian graffiti artist, brought optimism to the residents of disaster-stricken Tohoku by painting the bare walls of their temporary homes.  Responding to an invitation from the The Japan Foundation, the internationally recognized artist went to the Kasei Temporary Housing Complex (Kasetsu Kaisei Danchi) in Ishinomaki to share his talent. According to Yokota, the houses looked too emotionally cold, so he wanted to paint the walls with colorful and warm pictures. Within nine days, he was able to create 15 wall paintings on the housing units shared by 200 households. Yokota drew flowers as requested by some residents, but mostly used fish as the theme for his artwork. Kikuo Akiyama, a retired fisherman and one of the residents, was really cheered up by Yokota’s unique art.  Akiyama had been helping the community as volunteer coordinator, to relieve the sadness brought by the March 11 disaster and the death of his mother, who died of cancer. He said that he felt brightened up by the adventurous art. Similarly, the paintings uplifted Hanayo Endo’s spirit. Hanayo’s husband, Mitsuo Endo, died after not receiving proper dialysis procedures because of the lack of hospital services in the days following the earthquake and tsunami. She has to keep living for her husband, she said tearfully. After seeing Yokota’s art on her house, she felt more encouraged. Many other residents responded positively to Yokota’s work. But even though Yokota was able to give them some emotional comfort, the residents still face hardships that come with living in the temporary homes. Hanayo’s son-in-law, Masami Endo, said rebuilding their homes will take a long time. Around 22,000 houses were destroyed in Ishinomaki. By 2014, only 3,000 disaster-proof house units will be built, which is just not enough, he stressed. The Miyagi prefectural government is currently trying to find ways to increase the number. As the residents struggle through the devastating effects of the disaster, Yokota’s art can at least provide some hope to their situation. Yokota said that the residents inspired him even more as a graffiti artist, and that they were very kind to him during his stay. They invited him to come visit again, which he plans to do within the year.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you think art can really uplift someone’s spirit? Why or why not?

·         What things make you happy whenever you are depressed?

Discussion B

·         How is the government in your country helping the victims of the disaster? Do you think enough help is being given to them?

·         In your own way, how can you extend your help to those affected by disasters?

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Yahoo’s new CEO Says Company Needs to Perform Better

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

1. revenue (n.) – income earned from a particular source

Example: The company is losing money because of its revenue continues to decrease.

2. narrow down (idiom) – to cut down several options or choices to find the most important ones

Example: The twenty contestants were narrowed down to the three best performers.

3. promising (adj.) – showing possibility of development or success

Example: The restaurant’s new menu seems like a promising way to attract more customers.

4. priority (n.) – something given more attention

Example: The student studies hard because his priority is to finish college and find a stable work in the future.

5. core (adj.) – pertaining to the most important part

Example: The institution established core principles to be followed by all its members.

Article
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Newly appointed Yahoo Inc. CEO Scott Thompson plans to aggressively work on strengthening the company’s core business to improve its performance after revenues have declined towards the end of 2011. In the last few months of 2011, Yahoo reported $1.17 billion in net revenue, which is significantly lower than the $1.205 billion the company reported the same time in 2010. Thompson says he will make decisions quickly, and organize Yahoo’s 14,000 employees to move fast and with force to address this big decline. Thompson has not revealed what strategies they will use, but says that the company’s board has narrowed down business options to the most promising ones. The company’s highest priority will be its display advertisement business, Yahoo’s main source of revenue. Income from display ads fell in the last quarter of 2011, contributing only a total of $612 million, because of competition from Google and Facebook. The financial crisis in Europe has also affected Yahoo’s performance, making Thompson cautious with his plans. But while the company will focus on the core business, Yahoo will still be open to new opportunities and revenue sources, Thompson explains. Despite the decline, the company expects better results for 2012. Several large advertising companies have already committed to making use of Yahoo’s display advertisements. Yahoo has also projected that its net revenue for the first three months of the year will range from $1.025 billion to $1.105 billion. According to Thompson, the company’s revival will rely heavily on the data it has collected from its 700 million users. Using the data as an advantage, Yahoo can provide better products and services according to customers’ and advertisers’ needs, he adds.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         What do you think are the factors why some companies lose money?

·         Can you think of ways how companies can avoid losing revenue?

Discussion B

·         In managing a company, is it better to use one business strategy, or to try using different strategies? Why?

·         If you own a company, what would be your top strategy in order to succeed?

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