Fame is linked to Shorter Lives, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. obituary [oh-BICH-oo-er-ee] (n.) – an article or an announcement of a person’s death, often in newspapers

Example: The famous actor’s death was announced in obituaries of several newspapers.

2. life span [lahyf span] (n.) – the amount of time that a living organism exists

Example: Studies show that Japanese people have long life spans.

3. academe [AK-uh-deem, ak-uh-DEEM] (n.) – a learning institution, especially a college or a university

Example: She wants to work for the academe because of her love for education.

4. conclusive [kuh n-KLOO-siv] (adj.) – proven as a fact or without a doubt

Example: Several studies present conclusive findings that confirm the link between smoking and lung cancer.

5. stressor [STRES-er, -awr] (n.) – an activity or situation that causes stress

Example: Peer pressure is one of the man’s major stressors.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study revealed that performers and athletes die earlier compared to people with different professions. Australian researchers analyzed 1,000 obituaries from the New York Times to observe the relationship between fame and shorter life spans.  The study was published in an international journal of medicine. Results showed that actors, singers, musicians, and athletes died at an average age of 77, while authors, composers, and artists died at 79. On the other hand, people working in the academe such as historians and economists lived for an average of 82 years, while those who were successful in business and politics lived until the age of 83. The study also found that lung cancer was the most common cause of death among the performers. An author of the study believes that the tendency among performers to smoke or use harmful drugs to improve their performance may have caused this particular result. To provide a scientific explanation for the findings, psychologist Honey Langcaster-James stated that a career established in fame may present stressors that encourage risk-taking behaviors. She also believed that certain types of personality influence one’s desire for fame. Although the findings of the study are not conclusive, the authors pointed out that the results raise important questions about the possible consequences of fame. The findings also serve as a warning among young individuals who dream of becoming famous in the future.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you agree that fame can be negative and destructive in some situations? Why do you think so?

·         What do you think are the disadvantages of being a celebrity and living in fame? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Do you think it is difficult to live a very famous life? Why do you think so?

·         How do you think people can live normally despite being famous?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Utah Finally Allows Inmates to Donate Organs

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. atone [uh-TOHN] (v.) – to do good as payment for one’s offense or crime

Example: The teenager needs to do 100 hours of community service to atone for his crime.  

           

2. prohibit [proh-HIB-it] (v.) – to not allow a person from doing something

Example: Jail visitors are prohibited from bringing any sharp object.

3. coercion [koh-UR-shuh n] (n.) – the use of force or power to get a person to do something

Example: The police used coercion to make the suspect confess about the crime.

4. means to an end [meens too an end] (idiom) – describes an action done only to achieve another hidden purpose

Example: Some people use organ donation as a means to an end, hoping to earn money instead of just helping a person in need.

5. plea  [plee] (n.) – a request that is usually emotional

Example: The prisoner made plea so he can see his family.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The governor of Utah, U.S.A. authorized the first state law that allows prisoners, even those in the death row, to register as an organ donor last March 28, 2013. Utah State Representative Steve Eliason pushed the law after being inspired by the story of Ronnie Lee Gardner. Gardner is a murderer who wished to donate his organs but was banned to do so. Steve Eliason felt disappointed when someone who may want to atone for his or her sins by donating organs is prohibited from doing so. However, an ethics expert says that coercion might arise if a population as vulnerable as prisoners would be allowed to donate their organs. Prisoners might be pressured especially because the country has nearly 118,000 people waiting for organ donations. According to Dr. Paul R. Helft, a non-believer of organ donations for death penalty prisoners, the prisoners would just use the law as a means to an end. Other barriers may also exist, such as the high number of diseased prisoners and the execution methods that may make the organs no longer useful. On the other hand, Christian Longo, an Oregon death row inmate, believes that every organ donor can save many lives. Longo has been working hard to make Oregon officials consider his request but unfortunately been denied. He even created a Facebook page and has written a plea in New York Times about organ donation. Longo considers Utah as the first success in his battle and says that he will use this success to convince Oregon to do the same.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think prisoners should or should not be allowed to donate their organs? Why do you say so?

·         Why do you think some people want to donate their organs? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Should the law make an exception in favor of a dying man’s request? Why or why not?

·         If the need arises, would you accept an organ from someone you barely know? Why is that so?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Australian Movie Industry Suffers Due to Strong Currency

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. picturesque [pik-chuh-RESK] (adj.) – visually beautiful and charming, like a painting

Example:  The picturesque Himeji Castle is a popular destination among tourists.

2. shoot [shoot] (v.) – to film or to take a photograph

Example:  Film productions need a permit to shoot in public places.

3. blockbuster [BLOK-buh s-ter] (n.) – something very popular and successful (like a movie, novel, show, etc.)

Example: The blockbuster movie “Titanic” earned a total of $1.84 billion in ticket sales worldwide.

4. jeopardy [JEP-er-dee] (n.) – risk or danger

Example:  Making sudden decisions can put your career in jeopardy.

5. back [bak] (v.) – to give support to someone or something

Example:  The government backed and funded the film project.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

With its picturesque landscapes, Australia has long been a popular filming location among international film producers. However, the country's strong currency is now causing a decrease in the number of foreign productions shooting in Australia. Numerous films have been made in Australia, including blockbusters like Star Wars Episode II and III, the Matrix Trilogy, Mission Impossible 2 and Moulin Rouge [moo-LAN roozh]. From 2000 to 2009, Australia gained an average of US $137 million each year from foreign productions. But as the Australian dollar became stronger and stronger, movie makers started to look for cheaper alternatives. As a result, Australia gained about $1 million in 2010 and $3 million in 2011. No major foreign movie was made in the country during those years. In an effort to win back filmmakers, the Australian government is offering incentives, grants and tax cuts. For instance, the government will give a $22 million grant to Disney to shoot a film in Australia. According to ministers, the money will be well spent because foreign productions create jobs, generate investments and uphold Australia as one of the world's best filming locations. However, some people say that Australia should focus on its domestic film industry rather than spend millions to attract foreign producers. Ignoring the local industry might cause long-term damage and put thousands of jobs in jeopardy. Peter Krausz [krouz], chairman of the Australian Film Critics Association, says foreign movies do not reflect Australian values, culture, and stories. Australia should back its own movies that feature the country itself, Krausz added.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think Australia should focus on attracting international filmmakers or on strengthening its local movie industry? Why do you say so?

·         What do you prefer:  a foreign or a local film? Please explain your answer. 

Discussion B

·         What, for you, is the most important aspect of a movie? (Plot, characters, visuals like scenery or computer graphics, etc.) Please explain your answer.

·         If you could make your own film, what would it be about and why?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Obama Imitator Entertains in Some Government Events

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. impersonator [im-PUR-suh-ney-ter] (n.) – a person who copies or acts like another person; often for entertainment

Example: The impersonator entertained the audience through acting like famous celebrities and politicians.

2. show up [shoh uhp]  (v. phrase) – to be present or seen in an event

Example: The politician always shows up in every important national event to campaign for himself.

3. taken aback [tey-kuh n uh-bak] (idiom) – to be surprised or shocked

Example: The performer was taken aback by the audience’s harsh comments.

4. resemble [ri-zem-buh l] (v.) – to be similar with another person or thing

Example:  Identical twins closely resemble one another.

5. master [MAS-ter, MAH-ster] (v.) – to completely learn and understand

Example: The actress has mastered the art of crying after several workshops and seminars.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Larry Graves, an impersonator of Barack Obama, shows up at various events to entertain people with his version of the current U.S. president. Graves started impersonating when Obama was first elected. Aside from impersonating, he works mainly as a substitute gym teacher in Maryland. Graves expressed his gladness about Obama’s reelection because he can still entertain others through impersonating the president. Many people are taken aback when they first see Graves because they thought he really is President Obama. Some are very amazed at how Graves closely resembles the American president in terms of physical appearance, speech patterns, and behavior. Graves always comes with two men who pretend to be his Secret Service agents. One of the agents is Matt Baldwin, who has been with Graves for five years. Baldwin always feels amused when people ask him if Graves was really the president. Graves is constantly amazed by how much respect people show him. But, he said that impersonation is not easy. He gives effort in copying the president by using makeup to modify his physical appearance. He also took time to study and master the way Obama speaks and acts. According to Graves, he and Obama have other similarities aside from physical appearance. For one, both he and Obama like playing basketball. In fact, Graves said that he would like to challenge the president to a game someday. However, he has never met the president in person yet.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A 

·         How would you feel if someone impersonated you? Please explain your answer.

·         Why do you think some people feel offended when they are impersonated?

Discussion B

·         What could be the bad effects of copying or imitating someone? Please explain your answer.

·         In your opinion, why do some people get entertained with a person impersonating other people?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Shocking Things Vacationists do to Save Money

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. outrageous [out-REY-juh s](adj.) – going beyond what is right or proper

Example: Charlie’s outrageous behavior in the airplane alarmed the airport security.  

           

2. miser [MAHY-zer] (n.) – one who hates spending money

Example: The grumpy old miser complained about his expensive hotel bill.

3. pocket [POK-it] (v.) – to put inside as if in a pocket

Example: The vacationists pocketed the hotel shampoo when they left the place.

4. dine and dash [dahyn and dash] (v. phrase) – to run from paying a bill

Example: The man paid double his restaurant bill for attempting to dine and dash.

5. bothersome [BOTH-er-suh m] (adj.) – causing worry and difficulty

Example: The man’s strange actions in the pool were very bothersome to the guests.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent survey by OnePoll, a market research company, revealed some of the most outrageous things British vacationists do while on vacation. To save on vacation expenses, some misers commit different kinds of stealing and lying. Some Brits do not only sneak into other resorts to use facilities, but also go as far as leaving the bar or restaurant without paying the bills. The poll revealed that 5.5% of the vacationers pretended to be on a honeymoon or to be celebrating a birthday or anniversary just to get a room upgrade. Also, 11.2% lied about their children's ages to get discounts on admissions to theme parks. Reports also showed that 11.65% of the respondents admitted to using other resort facilities to experience first class facilities and services for a minimal cost. In addition, 7.65% used another hotel's shuttle service. Still, other vacationers have found clever ways of saving on their dining needs. About 39% of the respondents said they pocketed food from the breakfast buffet in order to save on lunch. Other people just refused tipping at bars and restaurants while some just bought their food and drinks at the supermarket. The more serious offenders consisted of about 1.4% of the vacationers, who dined and dashed at restaurants. But, the most bothersome is that 27% of the respondents said they used "other" cost-cutting measures while on a vacation. This result can make people curious about what other extreme and dishonest ways some vacationers do in order to save money.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think some people do outrageous things in order to get freebies or discounts?

·         How can people spend less during a vacation but still have a good time?

Discussion B

·         Which would you rather spend more money for: accommodations or restaurants? Why do you say so?

·         Do you think money is very important so people can enjoy life? Why or why not?

この記事が気に入りましたか？