March 29, 2017

American Airlines to Remove TV Screens in Some Planes

Unlocking Word Meanings
今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. one step ahead   / wʌn stɛp əˈhɛd / (idiom) – more prepared or advanced than others
Example: Most airlines try to be one step ahead of their competitors by continuously improving their services.

2. ration / ˈræʃ ən / (v.) – to restrict the amount of something that someone can use
Example: Because of the limited supply, the camp leader rationed the food among the campers.

3. library / ˈlaɪˌbrɛr i /  (n.) – a collection of study or entertainment materials (e.g. books, films, music, etc.)
Example: He owns a huge library of movies from different countries.

4. in-flight / ˈɪnˌflaɪt / (adj.) – describes something that takes place during a plane flight
Example: Movies and TV series are provided for the passengers’ in-flight entertainment.

5. flexible / ˈflɛk sə bəl / (adj.) – allowing change or providing options
Example: The company’s flexible shift allows employees to come to work anytime.

Article
ニュース記事

Read the text below.
American Airlines will be upgrading its in-flight entertainment by replacing in-seat TV screens with new technology in its new airplanes.

The airline is taking in-flight entertainment one step ahead by removing classic TV screens from its new Boeing 737 Max airplanes, which are intended for domestic flights. In place of the screens, the airline will install better in-flight Wi-Fi in its planes, which passengers can use with their own gadgets.

American Airlines said that more than 90% of its passengers bring their own devices, such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops, for entertainment. The company added that the passengers prefer to use these devices, which have much better image quality than the in-seat screens.

For its new planes, American Airlines will be replacing Gogo with ViaSat as its internet service provider. Unlike Gogo, which uses cellular towers, the new provider is expected to provide faster Internet since it relies on satellites. Also, ViaSat does not ration its Internet connection because it has a high bandwidth, allowing passengers to stream more freely.

Using the improved Wi-Fi connectivity, passengers can access American Airline’s huge library of movies, TV shows, and music through their own gadgets. In-flight Internet surfing is another perk that passengers can enjoy, but with additional charges.

American Airlines is not the only airline that is upgrading its in-flight entertainment. Other companies such as Jetstar and Virgin Australia have also replaced in-seat screens in some of their flights with wireless entertainment. However, Delta Air decided to keep its screens. According to the company, it wants to provide flexible options to its passengers, especially those who do not intend to use their gadgets while on board. 


Viewpoint Discussion
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A
·         For in-flight entertainment, would you prefer using your own gadget or using the in-seat screens? Why?
·         In your opinion, why do some people still prefer the in-seat screens?

Discussion B

·         Aside from Internet-based entertainment, what other forms of entertainment would you add in an airplane? Discuss.
·         Aside from in-flight entertainment, what aspects of in-flight service should airlines improve? Why?

March 28, 2017

Cats and Dogs May Have Similar Mental Ability, Study Finds

Unlocking Word Meanings
今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. invalidate / ɪnˈvæl ɪˌdeɪt / (v.) – to prove something wrong
Example: Another researcher invalidated some findings in her study.

2. enthusiast / ɛnˈθu ziˌæst / (n.) – someone who is passionate or dedicated to something
Example: He became a music enthusiast because of his mother’s influence.

3. canine / ˈkeɪ naɪn / (n.) – a dog (formal)
Example: The dog show featured different types of canines.

4. interval / ˈɪn tər vəl / (n.) – the pause between two periods of time or events
Example: Storms in the area typically have a one-month interval.

5. gesture / ˈdʒɛs tʃər / (n.) – communication by moving a body part
Example: A common gesture that shows approval is a thumbs up.

Article
ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A recent study in Japan proved that cats may have the same mental ability as dogs, invalidating the idea that one is smarter than the other.

Pet enthusiasts usually have the impression that dogs are smarter than cats since canines show the ability to recall certain information and obey simple commands. However, scientists have recently discovered that both animals possess the ability to recall details of past experiences, also called episodic memories. Episodic memory has been observed only in humans and very few animals.

In a study published in Behavioural Processes, scientists from Japan conducted an experiment that involved 49 cats. Each cat was assigned to its own food bowl, which the scientists filled with food. After a 15-minute interval, the cats were given a second meal. The scientists observed that the cats remembered which food bowls were previously assigned to them. The same experiment was previously conducted on dogs, and the scientists reported that they showed similar behaviors.

Analysis on the study showed that both cats and dogs have the ability to recall episodic memories. This ability also allows cats and dogs to respond to human gestures and facial expressions in different ways, depending on how they previously encountered it.

According to Saho Takagi, one of the researchers, episodic memory is related to the ability to process one’s own thoughts and feelings. Being able to process episodic memories implies that dogs and cats may be aware of how their surroundings affect them. Because of this, Takagi believes that the study is valuable for improving the relationship between pet owners and their cats or dogs.


Viewpoint Discussion
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How can pet owners use episodic memories to improve their relationship with their pets?
·         What is the importance of understanding how one’s pets think? Discuss.


Discussion B

·         In your opinion, why do some people like having pets?
·         What are the challenges of having a pet?

March 27, 2017

Japan Celebrates Native Sumo Grand Champion

Unlocking Word Meanings
今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. back-to-back / bæk tə bæk / (adj.) – one immediately after another
Example: The team became the first to win back-to-back victories when they won both the 2012 and 2013 championships.

2. formidable / ˈfɔr mɪ də bəl / (adj.) – showing great power
Example: The boxer trained harder for the upcoming match because he has a formidable opponent.

3. dominate ˈdɒm əˌneɪt / (v.) – to be better than others in a sport or competition
Example: The Japanese wrestler dominated the match.

4. die down / daɪ daʊn / (idiom) – to decrease slowly
Example: The demand for the popular sportswear brand died down when its prices increased.

5. revive / rɪˈvaɪv / (v.) – to reactivate
Example: The tennis player revived his career after winning three consecutive matches.  

Article
ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Sumo wrestler Yutaka Hagiwara, popularly known as Kisenosato, becomes the first Japanese-born sumo grand champion in 19 years.

Thirty-year-old Kisenosato claimed victory at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament and earned the title of “yokozuna,” the highest rank in sumo wrestling. Although a sumo wrestler is usually awarded the title only after two back-to-back wins, both the Yokozuna Deliberation Council and the Japan Sumo Association endorsed Kisenosato for the title despite having only one win. His achievement makes him the first Japanese sumo wrestler to gain yokozuna status since the victory of Wakanohana Masaru in 1998, and the only Japanese sumo wrestler among the four current active yokozuna.

Although Kisenosato had a reputation of losing important matches, he stunned the crowd by defeating formidable opponent Hakuho Sho, a yokozuna from Mongolia.  Kisenosato earned his win after 89 rounds of tournament, one of the slowest records attained by a modern sumo wrestler. To celebrate his new status, a promotion ceremony heavily covered by the media took place in a Tokyo hotel instead of the sumo stable where he lives and trains.

Sumo wrestling’s appeal in Japan has been declining over the years due to a number of factors. Competitors from Mongolia, Brazil, Russia, China, and Hawaii are dominating the sport. In addition, other sports such as baseball and soccer are more popular among younger fans. Controversies such as match fixing, gambling ties, and cases of physical abuse among young rookies also caused the sport’s popularity to die down. However, Kisenosato’s elevation to yokozuna status is expected to revive the sport’s popularity.


Viewpoint Discussion
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think Kisenosato’s victory can bring back sumo wrestling’s popularity in Japan? Why or why not?
·         In what ways will Kisenosato’s victory affect his career? Discuss.

Discussion B

·         Do you think that a national sport should be popularized internationally? Why or why not?
·         What do you think about foreign competitors dominating in your national sport?

March 26, 2017

Brazil Orders Massive Supply of Yellow Fever Vaccines

Unlocking Word Meanings
今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. fatal / ˈfeɪt l / (adj.) – destructive
Example: Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases.  

2. upsurge ˈʌpˌsɜrdʒ / (n.) – a significant increase
Example: There has been an upsurge in waterborne diseases lately.

3. at risk / ət rɪsk / (idiom) – a situation where there is a high possibility of danger
Example: His smoking habit puts him at risk for lung cancer.

4. immune ɪˈmyun / (adj.) – unaffected by something
Example: Certain vitamins can help you become immune to diseases.

5. transmission / trænsˈmɪʃ ən, trænz- / (n.) – the act of passing on something
Example: The transmission of virus can lead to infectious diseases.

Article
ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Brazil's health ministry ordered 11.5 million doses of yellow fever vaccine to address the disease’s biggest outbreak in the country's history since 2000.

More than a hundred cases of the disease, 40 of which were fatal, have been confirmed since 2016. To prevent an upsurge, the Brazilian government recommended vaccinations for people travelling to areas with confirmed cases such as Minas Gerais /ˈmi nəʒɪˈraɪs /, São Paulo ˈsaʊ ˈpaʊ loʊ /, and Espirito Santo. Around 5.5 million vaccines were sent to the states at risk.  An additional 6 million are expected to arrive and another 9 million doses are in production.

Yellow fever is a disease carried by monkeys and transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms of the first phase of infection include fever, body pain, headache, shivers, appetite loss, and vomiting. Symptoms in the second phase of infection include high fever, bleeding, liver failure, and jaundice /ˈdʒɔn dɪs /. Although only 15% of people reach the second phase, around 20 to 50% of them die after 10 to 14 days.

Because there is no specific cure for yellow fever, patients can only receive treatment for symptoms or have themselves vaccinated. The vaccine, which helps the body become immune to the disease, is recommended for travelers aged 9 months and above. An indirect way of preventing the transmission of the virus is to minimize contact with mosquitoes through the use of insect repellent and the wearing of thick clothing to reduce mosquito bites.


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 the actions of the Brazilian government to address the yellow fever outbreak are enough? Why or why not?
·         In your opinion, what can be done to permanently prevent the yellow fever outbreak?

Discussion B

·         Should governments invest more in preventing a disease or curing it? Explain your answer.
·         What are some initiatives that can prevent a disease outbreak?

March 25, 2017

Obama Set to Receive Presidential Retirement Benefits

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. lifetime / ˈlaɪfˌtaɪm / (adj.) – lasting for the rest of a person’s life
Example: Most government officials receive various lifetime benefits.  

2. term / tɜrm / (n.) – the period in which an official is appointed to serve
Example: The governor’s first term is going to end next month.  

3. extend / ɪkˈstɛnd / (v.) – to offer something
Example: The program extends health care services to senior citizens.  

4. transition / trænˈzɪʃ ən / (n.) – a period of change
Example: The employees experienced a difficult transition when the new owners took over the company. 

5. entitled / ɛnˈtaɪtld / (adj.) – having the right over something
Example: All citizens are entitled to choose their leaders.

Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Former US president Barrack Obama has received a lifetime government pension and a variety of benefits after his presidential term ended.

Obama, the 44th president of the United States, concluded his second and final term on January 20, 2017. Upon the end of his term, Obama received privileges granted to all former US presidents.

The Former Presidents Act is a law that extends certain benefits to former presidents. One of the major benefits included is the annual pension of $205,700. By law, the amount that the former president receives is equivalent to the salary of Cabinet Secretaries.  In addition, the government will provide lifetime Secret Service protection to the former president and first lady.

To assist Obama and his family in adjusting to a private life, he will receive transition funds during the first seven months after leaving office. Like previous commanders-in-chief, he will receive financial assistance for any travel that is associated with his position as a former US president. According to the Former Presidents Act, he is also entitled to health care benefits, as well as staff and office allowances.

The Former Presidents Act was implemented by the US Congress in 1958. The action was largely influenced by former president Harry Truman’s experience after leaving the office. The former president experienced financial difficulties after his term ended in 1953.

In addition to the benefits he will receive from the Former Presidents Act, Obama will also reportedly receive a pension of $383,535 from the Illinois /ˌɪəˈnɔɪ / government for his service as a state lawmaker for eight years.       


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 is necessary to provide benefits to former presidents? Why or why not?
·         If you were a lawmaker, would you make any changes in the benefits included in the Former Presidents Act? Discuss.

Discussion B

·         Aside from government leaders, who else deserves to receive government benefits?
·         What are the factors to consider when giving benefits?

March 24, 2017

Japanese Education Ministry Officials Face Disciplinary Action over Misconduct

Unlocking Word Meanings
今日の単語・フレーズ

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


1. sanction / ˈsæŋk ʃən / (v.) – to punish
Example: The management will sanction employees who disobey company policies.

2. lobby / ˈlɒb I / (v.) – to influence the decisions of another
Example: The company lobbied the local government to pass the new law.

3. misconduct / mɪsˈkɒn dʌkt / (n.) – an illegal act committed by an official
Example: Corruption is the most common form of misconduct 

4. exploitation ˌɛk splɔɪˈteɪ ʃən / (n.) – an act that is committed to serve one’s selfish interests
Example: The employee was accused of exploitation after he allegedly used the company’s funds.  

5. scrutiny / ˈskrut n I / (n.) – a careful examination
Example: The company is under public scrutiny because of its involvement in the scandal.  

Article
ニュース記事

Read the text below.
The Japanese government has sanctioned education ministry officials for putting retired government employees into office.

A report by the Cabinet Office’s reemployment oversight committee revealed that officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) participated in several cases of “amakudari,” an unlawful practice in which a government official is reemployed in a profitable private or public sector post after retirement. 

One case involves Daisuke Yoshida, a Waseda University professor and a former official in the education ministry. Investigation revealed that the ministry's human resources department lobbied the university to arrange Yoshida’s employment.

As a result, the administrative vice minister of MEXT during the time of the controversy was urged to return a percentage of his salary. The other officials involved in the misconduct would also be penalized accordingly. On the other hand, Yoshida was not penalized since he no longer works for the government.

Amakudari is considered a violation of the National Public Service Act of 2007, which forbids government employees from assisting retired officials in seeking new jobs.

The public has expressed disapproval over the practice of amakudari as it may allow corruption among government workers and the industries involved. This practice was previously associated with forms of exploitation such as illegal bidding and price-fixing of government projects.

As amakudari is likely occurring in other government agencies, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed Kozo Yamamoto, minister in charge of civil service reform, to put other agencies under scrutiny for similar wrongdoings.


Viewpoint Discussion
ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from those mentioned in the article, in what other ways can officials employed through amakudari abuse their power?
·         How can the government ensure that its agencies are corruption-free?

Discussion B

·         How does a scandal affect the public’s perception of government officials?
Should government officials who were involved in a scandal be prevented from holding a future position? Why or why not?