Russia’s Vodka Export Slumps to 10-Year Low

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. record low / rəˈkɔːrd ˈloʊ / (idiom) – the lowest point something has ever reached

Example: The product’s sales fell to a record low because of the scandal involving its distributor.

2. plummet / ˈplʌm ɪt / (v.) – to experience a sudden fall or decline

Example: Prices in goods plummeted after the country entered recession.

3. impose / ɪmˈpoʊz / (v.) – to force a policy or law upon someone or something

Example: Many countries imposed trade restrictions against Russia as protest against its actions.

4. annex / əˈnɛks / (v.) – to take a certain area or region under the control of a usually larger and more powerful state

Example: Russia annexed the neighboring city after its residents agreed to transfer control.

5. take its/a toll on (something) / ˈteɪk ˈɪts/ə toʊl ɑːn / (idiom) – to have a negative effect on something

Example: The country's international travel ban has taken a toll on its tourism industry.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Russia’s vodka exports plunged into a 10-year record low last year because of ongoing international conflicts involving the country. Statistics released by Russia’s Centre for the Study of Federal and Regional Alcohol Markets (CSFRAM) showed that export revenue from vodka and other liquors dropped by 40.2 percent in 2015. Exports even from Britain, Russia’s largest vodka exporter, was 59% lower last year. In addition to that, a 70% decline in sales was seen in Ukraine, plummeting to £2.71 million in 2015, from £26.99 million in 2013. Vadim Droby of the CSFRAM attributed the damages in Russian liquor sales to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union (EU) upon Russia for its actions against Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine conflict resulted from Russia’s seizure of Crimea, a long-disputed territory, from Ukraine. Russia effectively annexed the territory after organizing a poll, where 96.8% of Crimean voters agreed to be under Russia’s governance. Soon after the polls, Russia took secret military action upon Ukraine. Russia’s actions were immediately met with criticism from the west, who claimed that Russia was disrespecting Ukraine’s authority as an independent state. In effect, they imposed economic sanctions upon Russia. Economic sanctions imposed restrictions on Russian banks and corporations. Russian banks are currently not allowed to make long-term loans in the EU, and exports from major Russian corporations are discouraged. These economic sanctions had taken its toll on Russian vodka producers, whose funds are becoming insufficient for the distribution and promotion of their products in international markets, thus weakening vodka exportation.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from economic implications, how else do you think Russia is affected by its conflict with Ukraine?

·         Do you agree with the United States' and the EU’s actions against Russia? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, how can conflict between two countries be avoided?

·         If you were part of an international organization, what would you do to promote peace and harmony between countries?

Japan Royals Visit the Philippines on 60th Friendship Anniversary

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. grace with (one’s) presence /ˈɡreɪs wɪθ wʌnz ˈprezəns/ (idiom) – to appear in a place or event, usually as a guest of honor

Example: The Japanese royals graced the halls with their presence.

2. banquet /ˈbæŋ kwɪt/ (n.) – a formal dinner, usually in celebration of a special event

Example: Only VIPs were allowed to the banquet.

3. touch upon /tʌtʃ əˈpɒn/ (idiom) – to mention something in passing or talk about it briefly

Example: The committee touched upon some related issues during the meeting.

4. archipelago /ˌɑr kəˈpɛl əˌgoʊ/ (n.) – a large group of islands

Example: The Philippines is an archipelago composed of more than seven thousand islands.

5. steadfast /ˈstɛdˌfæst/  (adj.) – devoted, loyal, and unchanging

Example: His steadfast service to the company earned him the admiration of his colleagues.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko graced the Philippines with their presence for a five-day state visit, from January 26 to 30. The royal couple was given a red-carpet welcome by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The president also gave the royal visitors a welcome ceremony and a banquet at the Malacañang Palace, where a meeting between the two heads-of-state also took place. During the 20-minute meeting, the two leaders talked about the growing economic ties between the two countries, marked by a boost in Japanese car sales in the Philippines, as well as the growing number of Uniqlo stores in the country, after the famed brand partnered with leading Filipino shopping mall chain, SM Supermalls. They also touched upon the emperor’s first visit with his wife to the archipelago 54 years ago. The royal couple was yet to be crowned at the time, making their recent visit the first official state visit of the Japanese emperor to the country. Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr., head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said that they believe that the state visit highlights the strong, enduring friendship between the two countries. Coloma even called Japan a steadfast partner and ally. Aside from visiting the seat of the Philippine government, the couple also visited several Japanese schools and institutions, and met people of Japanese descent who reside in the Philippines. Towards the end of their trip, they also went to the Japanese Memorial Garden to pay their respects to those who died in World War II.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What do you think would be the implications of stronger ties between the Philippines and Japan?

·         What could help strengthen the relationship between two countries further?

Discussion B

·         If you could create a project that involves both the Philippines and Japan, what would it be? Why?

·         In what ways do you think the Philippines can help Japan?

Baby Monitors Vulnerable to Hacking

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. hacking / ˈhæk ɪŋ / (n.) – the act of getting files or information illegally on a person’s computer or device

Example: He was arrested for hacking the senator’s email to get confidential information.

2. surveillance device / sərˈveɪ ləns dɪˈvaɪs / (n.) – an object used to detect or watch something

Example: The politician’s house has surveillance devices such as security cameras and an alarm system. 

3. keep an eye on (something) /ˈkiːp ən ˈaɪ ɑːn/ (idiom) – to watch something carefully

Example: Parents try to always keep an eye on their young children.

4. unauthorized /ˌʌnˈɑːθəˌraɪzd / (adj.) – referring to a person or an action that has not been given permission

Example: Skilled hackers gain unauthorized access to websites and personal accounts.

5. precaution / prɪˈkɔ ʃən / (n.) – something done in advance to prevent future trouble or harm

Example: Childproofing furniture is one precaution all parents should take.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Baby monitor hacking is joining the long list of Internet crimes. Baby monitors are surveillance devices that are supposed to help parents keep an eye on their children from afar. Recent models usually feature a camera, which sends videos to a receiver with a portable screen. Some also allow parents to hear and speak to their children. These are usually connected to the Internet and allow access from a distance. However, these models are vulnerable to unauthorized access. New York’s Department of Consumer Affairs (NYC-DCA) issued a warning urging parents to make sure that their baby monitors are secured. Parents from the United States have told stories of hackers scaring their children by talking to them through the device. There have also been reports of baby cameras being used to spy on households. As a response to these complaints, Rapid7, a firm specializing in data security, tested nine widely-used baby monitors. Results showed that all of them were not secure, with eight scoring a failing mark, and one just barely passing. Among problems found are unchangeable default passwords which can be easily guessed or found in manuals. Another is the lack of additional security measures in the data transferred by the monitors, or the applications used in controlling the devices. The NYC-DCA is now investigating the matter. The department is reminding the public to take precautions in using baby monitors. Consumers must look into the reliability of the monitor brands that they will purchase. Users should also keep the devices’ software up-to-date.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you think hacking incidents would affect a toddler’s development? Explain your answer.

·         What are the possible safer alternatives to using baby monitors? Give examples.

Discussion B

·         After knowing the security risks of baby monitors, do you think people will still use them? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, which do people value more — affordability or quality? Why?

Climate Change Causes Decline in Male Turtle Population

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. drastic / ˈdræs tɪk / (adj.) – describes a major or extreme effect

Example: There was a drastic decline in the population of wolves because of illegal hunting.

2. coast / koʊst / (n.) – the area where the sea touches land

Example: Turtles dig their nests along the coast.

3. incubate / ˈɪn kyəˌbeɪt / (v.) – to keep eggs under a constant warm temperature to encourage hatching

Example: Hens incubate their eggs by sitting on them.

4. yield / yild / (v.) – to give rise to or result in something

Example: The rising temperatures yielded more problems in the environment.

5. erosion / ɪˈroʊ ʒən / (n.) – the process of slowly being destroyed or worn away

Example: Trees were planted on the edge of the mountain to prevent erosion.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Climate change is causing a drastic decline in the number of male marine turtles, research from the Florida State University revealed. A study conducted by researchers found that turtle hatchling populations are becoming more female-dominated, with 94% of eggs hatching as females in the northern Brazilian coasts. The phenomenon is brought about by the continuous rise in temperature in coastal areas, as temperature directly affects the gender of turtle hatchlings. For turtle eggs to hatch, they need to be incubated at temperatures between 24 to 34 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius yield male turtles. If temperatures   rise beyond this point, eggs will hatch as females. Although the study was done in Brazil, the results are applicable worldwide because the relationship between temperature and gender is universal among turtles. Researchers from the University of Western Australia has also observed the phenomenon in hatchlings in Australian coasts. The team is now studying how turtles would adapt against the rapid changes in the climate. They are also considering possible interventions to increase male turtle hatchlings and prevent the extinction of the species. Marine turtle extinction has many adverse effects on coastal and underwater ecosystems. Marine turtles help spread sea grass across the sea bed. Without turtles, many fish and marine animals would lose their breeding grounds, including fish harvested by humans for food. Unhatched turtle eggs are also a major source of nourishment to coastal soil, which has very limited nutrition. Without nourishment, plants which help prevent erosion in beaches will not grow. Coastal erosion would bring the sea further inland, causing danger to coastal communities.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What is the importance of keeping a close watch on endangered animals?

·         Do you think that the government should prioritize projects that aim to conserve endangered animals? Explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         What would happen if marine species continued to decrease in the coming years?

·         How can we help prevent the population decline of marine species?

Starbucks Riyadh Bans Women After Segregation Wall Collapses

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. outrage / ˈaʊt reɪdʒ / (n.) – anger or negative feelings toward something

Example: After the controversial law was passed, several groups expressed outrage on social media. 

2. mandate / ˈmæn deɪt / (v.) – to command or require something

Example: The management mandates drug testing to all employees.

3. mingle /ˈmɪŋ gəl/ (v.) – to join, talk to, and interact with

Example: My friends love to mingle with other people in parties.

4. undue /ʌnˈdu/ (adj.) – too much, or more than what is necessary

Example: Undue attention should not be given to minor details.

5. suffrage /ˈsʌf rɪdʒ/ (n.) – the right to vote

Example: Women have been fighting for suffrage throughout history.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A sign outside a Starbucks store in Riyadh sparked Twitter outrage, as it told female customers that they cannot enter because the cafe’s ‘gender-segregating wall’ collapsed. Many expressed disappointment when the store prohibited entry for women and told them to send their drivers instead. Women’s rights advocate Sally Armstrong even tweeted that the company should close down the branch to support women’s rights. Saudi Arabia’s law mandates the existence of a partition between single men and single women or families. Their law is based upon the Islamic faith, and is strictly enforced by religious police. Under the law system called Sharia [shuh-REE-uh], men and women who are not blood-related or married cannot mingle, because it is believed that undueinteraction between them would lead to sin. A number of other things are considered unlawful for women under the Sharia. For example, women are not allowed to drive or travel on their own, requiring them to have a male relative as chaperone. They are also prescribed clothes that cover the body almost entirely. Interestingly, children are also discouraged from playing with Barbie dolls. Because of its restrictions on women, liberals and human rights activists campaign for reforms in Saudi Arabia’s law, but with little success. In 2011, however, the late King Abdullah granted women the right of suffrage. This took effect last year, when 130,000 women registered and voted for the first time in the Kingdom’s history. In addition to that, 978 women ran for government offices. At least 17 of them won, making history as the first female public servants of Saudi Arabia.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think that social media posts can help bring about change? Why or why not?

·         What is the possible effect of strict gender-segregating rules on foreigners who visit countries like Saudi Arabia?

Discussion B

·         Do you think foreigners should comment about the laws and policies of another country? Why or why not?

·         If you could implement a new law or change something in your country’s law, what would it be? Why?

Japanese Electronics Company Accepts Taiwanese Rival’s Offer

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. contender / kənˈtɛndɚ / (n.) – someone who fights to win something

Example: The item went to the contender with the highest bid.

2. procure / proʊˈkyʊər / (v.) – to get something by exerting effort

Example: The film company procured the rights to the book with their impressive presentation.

3. avidly / ˈæv ɪd li / (adv.) – with great enthusiasm or eagerness

Example: The company avidly fought to win the investor’s favor.

4. merger / ˈmɚʤɚ / (n.) – the act of joining two businesses into one

Example: The former rival malls became stronger after their merger.

5. incur / ɪnˈkɜr / (v.) – to have or experience something, usually negative

Example: The failed investments caused the company to incur losses and huge debts.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Taiwanese electronics company Foxconn has proven that they are ahead of other contenders in the battle for the takeover of Sharp after the Japanese electronics company accepted their offer. After a two-day meeting which ended on February 25 in Sharp’s headquarters, Sharp accepted Foxconn’s offer. Under the merger, the Taiwanese company will own 66% of Sharp’s shares for more than ¥400 billion, or around $4 billion, and consequently procure the rights to Sharp’s advanced technology. However, the latter has postponed signing the agreement for the meantime until all details have been ironed out. Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., manufactures electronic devices for major brands like Apple Inc., Sony Corp., and Microsoft. They hope to acquire Sharp’s technology to improve the global competitiveness of their products. Meanwhile, government-funded Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) has avidly contended against Foxconn in hopes of keeping Sharp’s technology under local management. They offered a ¥300 billion capital, aside from other forms of assistance which altogether amounts to ¥1 trillion. Sharp urgently needs the merger after incurring huge losses in profit in recent years. They reported a net loss of ¥108 billion for April-December 2015. The decline is due to the drop in flat-screen TV demands in foreign markets following the global financial crisis. In addition, Sharp is having trouble keeping up with competitors from other countries like China and South Korea, who sell similar products for much cheaper prices.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         If you were given the chance to decide, would you like Sharp to be procured by a foreign investor or a government-owned company? Explain your decision.

·         What do you think would be the possible advantages of Sharp’s merger to a foreign company?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, what can a huge company do to avoid incurring huge debts and loss in profit? Give examples.

·         Are people obliged to support the local manufacturers in their country? Why or why not?