Netherlands Builds First Solar Bicycle Lane

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. lane /leɪn/ (n.) – a narrow road; a path 

Example: In the morning, people often jog on the lanes in the park.

2. suburb /ˈsʌb ɜrb/ (n.) – an area where a small community or neighborhood lives

Example: She can tour her whole suburb by just riding her bike.

3. grid /grɪd/ (n.) – a large metal structure that distributes electricity to an area

Example: The grids were destroyed so we had no electricity for a month.

4. pilot /ˈpaɪ lət/ (adj.) – referring to an experimental version of something

Example: He used a toy car as a pilot project for the flying car he plans to build. 

5. functionality /ˈfʌŋk ʃə næl ɪ ti/ (n.) – the condition of serving a specific purpose in a practical manner

Example: A bike has good functionality when traveling a crowded market place.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Netherlands is working to achieve renewable energy efficiency with the recent installation of the world’s first solar bike path.  In November 2014, Dutch physicists and engineers introduced the SolaRoad, a 70-meter bicycle lane that can generate solar energy. The lane is made with rows of technological blocks of solar panels, measuring 2.5 by 3.5 meters. Each solar panel consists of several solar cells. It is protected with concrete housing and a surface layer of hardened glass. The blocks are also slightly tilted to receive more sunlight exposure and to prevent gathering of dirt and water. The SolaRoad was placed on a bike path between two suburbs near Amsterdam.  According to the developers, one of the reasons why this is an ideal testing location is that it is frequently used by cyclists. More importantly, the path is well-exposed to sunlight. Currently, the solar lane produces 30 percent less power compared to solar roofs. Despite this, it was able to produce 140,000 watts in its first 16 days. The electricity produced by the SolaRoad currently goes to the national grid. However, the developers are hoping to enhance the solar lane as a power source for street and traffic-control lights, and electric transportations. It may also serve as power storage for emergency use in the future. At present, the solar lane is still a pilot project. It will continue to operate for the next two years, during which the developers will study and explore its functionalities and limitations.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think it was wise to use a bike path for the SolaRoad? Why or why not?

·         Would you want SolaRoads in your country? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         Aside from roofs and bicycle lanes, where else can we build solar panels to generate more renewable energy? Please explain your answer.

·         In your opinion, is using bicycles better than taking buses or cars? Why or why not? 

NYC’s New Electronic Hubs Offer Free Public Wi-Fi

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. hub /hʌb/ (n.) – a facility that provides many useful services

Example: The mall has a food hub of vending machines in the parking lot.

2. around-the-clock /əˈraʊnd ðəˈklɒk/ (adj.) – always operating, never stopping

Example: Some food restaurants are open around-the-clock.

3. domestic /dəˈmɛs tɪk/ (adj.) – related to being in one’s own country

Example: Businessmen travel via domestic flights to go from city to city.

4. kiosk /ˈki ɒsk, kiˈɒsk/ (n.) – an interactive electronic machine made to display advertisements

Example: Our company decided to install kiosks that feature our new products.

5. jack /dʒæk/ (n.) – a socket where electronic plugs are inserted for power or connection

Example: She cannot transfer files from her flash drive because all the computer jacks are broken.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Electronic hubs called LinkNYC will be installed in the streets of NYC this year. Each hub will be built as a checkpoint for high-speed around-the-clock Wi-Fi. It can also be used to make domestic calls. The LinkNYC is particularly helpful in unexpected emergency situations, as it can quickly access emergency channels and charge cellular devices. It is also a multipurpose kiosk, able to provide directions and services as well as display advertisements and public-service announcements. The best thing about the LinkNYC, however, is that all the services it offers are free. The hubs will replace the city’s public payphones. The developers have committed to produce 10,000 hubs for the city. The first 500 hubs are expected to be operational in five NYC districts by the end of the year. However, not a penny will come from taxpayers. Instead, the project will be financed with the advertisement revenue that the hubs generate. By next decade, it is estimated that the hubs will make more than $500 million of profit for the city. The LinkNYC is a big step up from the payphone. It is designed with a sleek and lean structure to occupy less space. In addition, its Wi-Fi connection has a range of 150 feet. Advertisements are displayed in a large digital screen. Directions and services can be accessed using a touch-screen tablet, which has speakers and a microphone. It also has a USB slot for charging, and a jack for headphones.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you want to have Wi-Fi kiosks like LinkNYC in your city? Why or why not?

·         Aside from the features stated above, what feature would you add to LinkNYC? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the disadvantages of having free Wi-Fi or internet connection all the time? Please explain your answer.

·         Other than payphones, what old technological devices can be replaced and/or improved? Please explain your answer.

American Architects Invent Flying Skateboard

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. cutting-edge /ˈkʌt ɪŋ ɛdʒ/ (adj.) – being the newest or most advanced

Example: Cellphones with projectors are today’s cutting-edge mobile devices.

2. deck /dɛk/ (n.) – a flat surface that serves as a platform

Example: The skateboard with a broken deck is useless and even dangerous to use.

3. levitate /ˈlɛv ɪˌteɪt/ (v.) – to float in the air

Example: My toy helicopter can only levitate as high as our house.

4. crowdfunding /kraʊdfʌndɪŋ/ (n.) – the act of financing a project with donations from a large number of people

Example: Non-profit websites depend on crowdfunding for money, not advertisements.

5. benefactor /ˈbɛn əˌfæk tər, ˌbɛn əˈfæk-/ (n.) – someone who gives money for a cause or a project

Example: The teacher supported her students’ expensive project by being both their advisor and benefactor.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

American technological architects have developed a working prototype of a skateboard without wheels. The Hendo Hoverboard is the latest attempt to invent an airborne transportation. It resembles a skateboard that can fly an inch from the ground. The Hoverboard is the first device to do so. The four magnetic disks installed at its base is where all the magic happens. Serving as the device’s levitation engine, the magnetic disks are the product of a cutting-edge technology called Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA). Both the Hoverboard and the MFA are the brainchild of Arx Pax, a start-up company that specializes in levitation technology and design. The Hoverboard can glide and rotate in any direction. With its pressure-sensitive skateboard deck, users can control its direction by leg power. The device also has a safety switch in case of malfunctions or emergency situations. Despite all these features, the Hoverboard is still far from perfect. Aside from its limited flying capacity, the device has a battery life of only seven minutes. Furthermore, it can levitate and travel only on grounds made of electricity-conducting materials such as aluminum and copper. The company finances the development of the Hoverboard through crowdfunding. Those who provide generous donations are rewarded with gifts and trial runs. For instance, those who donate $100 get to ride the Hoverboard for five minutes, while a contribution of $1,000 is worth an hour-long ride with a private coach. For a donation of $299, small-scale hover engines similar to those of the Hoverboard are given to benefactors who want to create their own levitating devices. Those who want to own it can buy one out of ten existing Hoverboards for $10,000.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you buy or try out a Hendo Hoverboard? Why or why not?

·         Aside from being a ride (or another form of transportation), how else do you think the Hendo Hoverboard can be useful? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         For what other things would levitation technology be helpful? Please explain your answer.

·         If you were to invent a flying device, what device would that be and what would it be for?

Germany Tops Nation Brands Index

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. come out on top /kʌm aʊt ɒn tɒp/ (idiom) – to be the winner or to be number one

Example: Germany came out on top in a survey about being energy efficient.

2. excellence /ˈɛk sə ləns/ (n.) – the state of being in high quality or being superior

Example: The United States is known for its business excellence.

3. reputation /ˌrɛp yəˈteɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the way people see or think about someone or something

Example: The corrupt leader has a bad reputation.

4. poll /poʊl/ (v.) – to get information by asking a number of people to answer a series of questions

Example: The researchers polled 2,000 people about their opinion on climate change.

5. competitiveness /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ (n.) – the quality of being better than others, as in competition

Example: Singapore tops the rank of economic competitiveness.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The 2014 Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index revealed that Germany came out on top in terms of nation branding, stealing the spot from the United States. According to the index, Germany took over the top spot after its football team won the FIFA World Cup earlier in 2014. Aside from its excellence in sports, Germany’s image has also improved because of its enhanced governance. Nation branding is a concept that focuses on creating or identifying the public image and reputation of a country based on its investments, exports, governance, people, culture, and tourism.  In 2005, Simon Anholt, a policy advisor, used the term “Nation Branding” to determine which countries have the highest reputation. Anholt partnered with GfK Roper, a research firm, to poll 20,000 people from 20 different countries. Aside from Germany landing on the first spot, the results have the United States and the United Kingdom on the second and third spot, respectively. Other countries included in the top 10 are France, Canada, Japan, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, and Sweden. Because getting a higher spot in the Nation Brands Index can contribute to economic growth, some countries are making an effort to improve their public reputation. One way to improve reputation is to create branding campaigns. These campaigns are aimed at enhancing a country’s competitiveness in exporting and investments. Some branding techniques focus on encouraging businesses to invest. Countries that use this technique create campaigns that emphasize their infrastructure and financial markets. Highlighting these aspects aims to attract and to increase the number of foreign investors coming in the country.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A 

·         If you were asked to choose, which country is number one in terms of public image and reputation? Please explain your answer.

·         How do you think your country can improve its standing in the Nation Brands Index?

Discussion B

·         Why is having a good reputation important for a country?

·         In your opinion, does your country need to improve its public image? Why or why not?