Final Round for 2020 Olympics Host City Candidates

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

1. shortlist (v.) [shawrt-list] – to select  a few candidates for a job, award, etc., from all those who applied and from where someone will finally be chosen

Example: The International Olympic Committee shortlisted five out of nine cities that applied to host the 2012 Olympics.

2. win over (phrasal v.) [win oh-ver] – to get someone’s support or approval

Example: She won over the contest judges by giving a highly creative performance.

3. consecutive (adj.) [kuhn-sek-yuh-tiv] –following after something without a stop or pause in between

Example: Wrestler Saori Yoshida won two consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008.

4. troubled (adj.) [truhb-uhl] – full of problems

Example: Greece, Italy and Spain are currently seen as troubledeconomies by analysts.

5. bid (n.) [bid] – an effort to win, get, or do something

Example:  London won its bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

Article
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Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid have been shortlisted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2020 Summer Olympics. Each city has until September 2013 to win over the IOC and get selected as the 2020 host city. The three cities became the finalists after Doha, Qatar and Baku, Azerbaijan were both removed from the IOC’s possible choices. Doha wanted to host the Olympics in October when the weather in the city would be cooler. However, according to the IOC, the suggested schedule would mean the Olympics would receive fewer television viewers, as other sports events would also be happening during that time. As for Baku, the city was removed because it does not have experience in hosting any other major international sports event. Tokyo, Japan is the only finalist to have hosted the Olympics before, back in 1964. Prime minister Yoshihiko Noda said holding the 2020 Games in Tokyo would signify the country’s recovery from the 2011 natural disasters. Pyeongchang, South Korea, however, is already hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, and the IOC may not want two consecutive Olympics in Asia. On the other hand, this is Spain’s third bid to host the Summer Olympics, but the IOC is uncertain about this as the country’s economy is currently troubled. Istanbul, Turkey, on the other hand, is making its fifth bid. However, Istanbul is also trying to host the 2020 European football championship. Most likely, the IOC would not allow the city to host two major international sports events in the same year.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         What do you think are the reasons cities are competing to host the Olympic Games?

·         How would you feel if Tokyo won the bid to host the 2020 Olympics? Why would you feel this way?

Discussion B

·         What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of having a big international event where you live?

·         Do you think governments should spend a lot of money in hosting international events? Why or why not?

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England’s Ministers Plan to Give Caregivers Legal Rights

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

1. caregiver (n.) [kair-giv-er] – someone responsible for the safety, health and happiness of a child or an adult who is sick, disabled or old

Example: She is the only caregiver of her elderly parents.

2. divisive (adj.) [dih-vahy-siv] – causing people to be divided into groups that disagree with each other

Example: Religion and social class are often divisive factors in society.

3. look out for (idiom) [look out fawr] – to take care of someone or something

Example: Older children are told to look out for their younger brothers or sisters.

4. respite (n.) [res-pit] – a short rest from something difficult or not very enjoyable

Example: He looked after his elderly mother yesterday to give his sister respitefrom caregiving.

5. treat (v.) [treet] – to behave towards someone or something in a certain way

Example: A government should treat its citizens well.

Article
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The English government is planning to give legal rights to family caregivers. If approved, the rights would benefit about 1.25 million people in England who spend 50 hours or more a week caring for their elderly and disabled family members. Proposals for caregivers’ rights, which could include caregivers' rights to respite care, education, and training, will soon be published by the government. According to Paul Burstow, UK’s Care Services Minister, the government wants to make sure the National Health Service and local councils will look out for family caregivers when needed. The support will allow caregivers to take care of family members longer. Burstow also said that the government wants to increase caregiver centers and services in the country, so that family caregivers may have temporary respite from their caring responsibilities. The services could even offer practical help, such as providing family caregivers with computer access, in order to ensure caregivers still have an active social life with friends or other relatives. How the government would fund such proposals is still not clear, as funding is still a divisive issue. The Treasury is concerned about the cost of making changes to the social care system. The government already spends £14 billion each year on social care, and the suggested changes would add another £1.7 billion yearly. The extra costs will also likely become more expensive because of England’s aging population. Nevertheless, the government assures that new plans and changes in the social care system will give importance to how caregivers should be treated and supported.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think the government should be giving legal rights and benefits to those who care for family members? Why or why not?

·         What do you think people should do if they cannot afford to take care of their family?

Discussion B

·         In your country, who is expected to take care of old, sick or disabled family members? Why?

·         Who would you like to care for you when you get older? Please explain further.

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Shoe Company Protects Business from Counterfeiters

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

1. counterfeit (n.) [koun-ter-fit] – a copy of something original that is used to cheat  buyers

Example: The bag she bought was a counterfeit because its leather was different from the original designer bag’s leather.

2. craze (n.) [kreyz] – something popular at some point in time

Example: Cute mobile phone straps suddenly became a craze among young girls.

3. durable (adj.) [door-uh-buhl, dyoor-] –not easily damaged

Example: They bought durable car tires that can be used for many years.

4. sloppy (adj.) [slop-ee] – lacking neatness, attention or order; messy

Example: The customer was angry because of the restaurant’s sloppy service.

5. scout (v.) [skout] – to look around a place carefully in order to get information

Example: Police will scout for illegal drug sellers in the market.

Article
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Makers of the popular running shoes called Five Fingers have found a solution to the growing number of counterfeits of its products. Five Fingers was introduced by in 2007 by a Tony Post, a former marathon runner through Vibram USA.  The shoes immediately became a huge craze, especially after many runners started barefoot running. The company’s earnings rose from $400,000 in 2007 to $90 million last year.  And because of its popularity, the company could not keep up with high demand. As Vibram tried to make more shoes, counterfeiters saw a chance to earn profit from Vibram’s unique idea. Starting from the summer of 2010, the company began receiving thousands of complaints that the shoes were not durable. Vibram learned counterfeits were being sold from different websites, which even contained images from Vibram and the company’s address. The counterfeits really looked like the originals, but a closer look revealed the counterfeits were made from different materials, had sloppy stitches, and had colors that were not exactly the same as those of real Five Fingers. Initially, Post hired private investigators to scout factories. But he realized closing one counterfeit-making factory would only lead to the opening of another. He decided that the best step was to inform customers about the counterfeits through Vibram’s own websites and customer blogs though it was a risky decision because the brand’s name could be damaged. However, as more people became aware of counterfeits, the number of complaints decreased within a year. Post said that in the end, what can really protect a business is not its copyright but its relationship with the customers.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Are counterfeits bad for business? Please explain your answer.

·         How does your country’s government prevent counterfeits from being sold?

Discussion B

·         How do you think customers can assure that they are buying real products and not counterfeits?

·         What do you think people should do if they accidentally buy a counterfeit product?

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Author Says People Will Forget Steve Jobs in the Future

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

1. bold (adj.) [bohld] – very confident; not scared

Example: Businessmen need to be bold in order to succeed.

2. [to] catch the eye [of] (idiom) [kach thee ahy] – to make someone interested in something; to get the attention of someone

Example: The writer’s interesting stories caught the eye of the readers.

3. affluence (n.) [af-loo-uhns or, often, uh-floo-] – the state of having a lot of money or properties

Example: The businessman’s affluence allowed him to expand his company abroad.

4. philanthropy (n.) [fi-lan-thruh-pee] – the act of showing concern for others by donating money and time to charities

Example: The rich man’s philanthropy toward the poor was admired by many people.

5. credit (n.) [kred-it] – praise or honor given to someone who has done something extraordinary

Example: Steve Jobs is given credit for creating Apple.

Article
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People fifty years from now will forget Steve Jobs, said Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell in an interview with the Toronto Public Library (TPL). His interview caught the eye of the public when the TPL uploaded a video of it on the Internet. Gladwell, an author who is famous for making bold opinions, wrote popular books such as “Blink” and “The Tipping Point.” His most recent work titled “Outliers” talks about the difference between successful and regular people. Gladwell said that out of all the popular businessmen nowadays, Microsoft’s Bill Gates will be remembered the most in the future. The writer believes people will remember Gates mainly because of his philanthropy, and not because of his contributions to technology. Gates has donated over $2 billion dollars to different charities globally. The author also predicts curing malaria will eventually be possible thanks to Gates, who is using their affluence to find a cure for the sickness. Gladwell did not explain why he thinks Jobs will be forgotten. In 2011, he described Jobs as a very good businessman who liked taking credit for other people’s work and ideas.   Furthermore, Gladwell cautions the public about admiring businessmen. He points out that they cannot be used as models for honesty.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you agree with Malcolm Gladwell when he says Steve Jobs will be forgotten in the future? Why or why not?

·         Is it better to be remembered as successful person or to be remembered as a kind person? Why do you think so?

Discussion B

·         What characteristics should a good businessman have? Why do you think so?

·         Do you think a person who is always honest can run a successful business? Why or why not?

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Mountain Lion Shot to Death in Santa Monica

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

1. wander (v.) [won-der]  –  to get lost or leave one’s correct path or place

Example: In New Zealand, cows often escape from farms and wander onto roads.

2. subdue (v.) [suhb-doo, -dyoo] – to take control of someone or something ; to make something calm or quiet by force

Example: The policeman subdued the angry dog by giving it sleeping medicine.

3. lethal (adj.) [lee-thuhl] – able to kill or cause something to die; deadly

Example: A gun is a lethal weapon.

4. euthanize (v.) [yoo-thuh-nahyz] – to kill an animal or person to help them avoid suffering or pain

Example: Stray cats, or cats without owners, are often euthanized because there is no one to feed and care for them.

5. agitate (v.) [aj-i-teyt] – to cause someone to become angry or stressed

Example: Tapping the glass of the aquarium may agitate the fish.

Article
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A 34 kilogram, three-year-old mountain lion was shot by officials in Santa Monica, California after it wandered into a popular shopping district in the vicinity of the beach area. A janitor reported seeing a mountain lion along Third Street Promenade, which is a part of town with many shoppers and street performers in the daytime. The Santa Monica Police and the California Fish and Games Warden responded to the janitor’s call. Fearing for the safety of the public, the officials trapped the animal inside the building and tried to subdue it. Initially, they tried less lethal ways of subduing the mountain lion. They threw pepper balls and directed water hoses at the trapped mountain lion while waiting for the tranquilizer, a medicine that induces sleep, to take effect. But none of the techniques seemed to work. To stop the mountain lion from going back out in the streets, officials had to euthanize the animal. Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, says she and her organization were shocked by the way the situation was handled. She disapproves of how officials agitated and scared the animal before shooting it. Although Santa Monica is located near mountains where wild animals live, Santa Monica police officer Calisse Lindsey says that in her 24 years of service, she has never heard of a wild mountain lion being found in such a busy part of town. Scientists believe that the animal may have just been looking for a home.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         Do you think that the police did the right thing by killing the mountain lion? Why do you think so?

·         Should animals be protected even if they are dangerous or pose a threat to the safety of people? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Why do you think wild animals sometimes wander to cities or to places with many people?

What do you think people should do to prevent wild animals from wandering near where people live?

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Tattoos Also Popular Among Football Players

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

1. in (adj.) [in] – popular; trendy or stylish

Example: Smartphones with many features are in these days.

2. be into (idiom) [bee in-too, -tuh] – to like doing something, be interested in something

Example: He is into sports and often watches sports events on TV.

3. blend in(idiom) [blend in] –  to become similar to or to look the same as people around oneself

Example: Wearing similar uniforms help students blend in with others at school.
 

4. tribal (adj.) [trahy-buhl] – relating to a group of people with the same customs and beliefs

Example: She is very interested in African tribal art and body painting.

5. grooming (n.) [groom-ing] – the act of caring for one’s body or appearance

Example:. The actress said the secret to her beauty is two hours of grooming every morning.

Article
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Tattoo is the trend among football athletes these days, and since Euro 2012 has already began, these tattoos are sure to be noticed. Ellis Cashmore, a professor of Culture, Media, and Sport at Staffordshire University says that, surprisingly, many football players are getting tattoos not to set themselves apart from other people but to blend in with their peers. But it is not just football players who are into tattoos. The professor says football players are just like everybody else in their generation who think getting tattoos is a way of belonging to the Y generation. Of course, people have different reasons for getting tattoos. Some people like to collect tattoos as their souvenirs from every place they visit. Some get tattoos in order to remember important special events, such as birthdays or anniversaries. Others get tattoos to show they are members of a certain organization. As an example, Professor Cashmore shares that, in his gym, almost everybody has some kind of tribal mark on their arms. There are also many in the gym who have the name of the local football club tattooed onto their bodies. The professor says one reason for the growing popularity of tattoos or body art is the importance, current society places on the body and personal grooming. People nowadays spend a lot of money and have an almost obsessive routine when it comes to taking care of their bodies or their appearance.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         How do you think tattoos affect the appearance of a person?

·         Do you think people should get tattoos or always follow a kind of appearance or style simply because it is “in”? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         What grooming procedure or product have you spent the most money on? Would you consider that money well spent?

·         Why do you think some people spend a lot of time and money on their body image or in trying to look good?

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UNICEF to Focus on Preventing Diarrhea and Pneumonia among Poor Kids

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

1. adequate (adj.) [ad-i-kwit] – enough to meet a requirement

Example: The government wants to ensure that the village has an adequatesupply of food.

2. populous (adj.) [pop-yuh-luhs] – having a large population

Example: Cities are usually populous because most jobs are found there.

3. oral (adj.) [awr-uhl, ohr-] –taken in through the mouth; relating to the mouth

Example:  The oral medicine he bought must first be chewed before it can be swallowed.

4. target (v.) [tahr-git] – to directly aim an action at someone or something

Example: The massage therapy targets painful muscles in the body.

5. vaccine (n.) [vak-seen] – a medication that increases the body’s immunity or protection against a disease

Example: Babies receive different vaccines to prevent getting some diseases when they grow up.

Article
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According to a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2 million poor children worldwide could be saved each year with adequate treatment for diarrhea and pneumonia. Diarrhea and pneumonia cause 29% of deaths among children under the age of five, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. About half of these deaths happen in five poor and populous countries-- such as India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan and Ethiopia. Furthermore, in 75 countries with the highest number of deaths, less than 1/3 (one-third) of children with pneumonia receive antibiotics. In poorer countries, only 1/3 of children with diarrhea use oral rehydration salts or drinks to prevent water loss in the body. Because of the high death rate caused by pneumonia and diarrhea, UNICEF plans to increase medical aid which targets the two diseases. UNICEF hopes to better distribute vaccines against the causes of the diseases such as the influenza virus and the rotavirus. The report also stated that breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life can give children protection from pneumonia. Children who were not breastfed are 15 times more likely to die from pneumonia. UNICEF added that adequate nutrition, safe drinking water, hand washing with soap, and basic cleanliness are also essential to prevent these diseases. The organization believes that by 2015, child deaths from all causes could be reduced by 13% if only poor children could avail the same level of treatment and health practices rich families enjoy.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Aside from a lack of money for medical treatment, why do you think poor countries have the highest number of cases of disease and death?

·         How do you think a large population affects the health of people?

Discussion B

·         What do you think are the best ways to prevent diseases?

·         What could be some reasons why people are not always able to take care of themselves or their health?

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