Bringing Dogs to Work May Lessen Employee Stress

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

1. morale (n.) [muh-ral] – a mindset that is confident, cheerful, and enthusiastic

Example: Being praised for doing a good job increases morale.

2. perceived (adj.) [per-seev] – thought of to be something

Example: The perceived glow of the planet makes it appear like a bright star.

3. significant (adj.) [sig-nif-i-kuhnt] – important enough to be noticed or to mean something

Example: The rising temperature each year is a significant evidence of climate change.

4. promote (v.) [pruh-moht] – to encourage the progress or development of something

Example: The organization promotes good working conditions for employees.

5. pet (v.) [pet] – to touch with one’s hand in a friendly or caring way

Example: The dog was pettedby his owner as a reward for doing the trick.

Article
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A US research found that having access to pet dogs at work boosts employee morale and lessens employee stress throughout the day. The study, published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, was conducted by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). They observed 75 staff from a manufacturing company that allows the bringing of pets to work. A comparison was made between employees who brought pets to work, those who had dogs but left them at home, and those who did not own pets. Researchers took several saliva samples from the employees each day for one week to measure stress hormone levels. Based on the observation, there was not much difference in stress levels between the groups in the morning. But as the work day went by, stress levels greatly decreased for those who brought pets, while stress levels increased for non-pet owners and dog owners who left their dogs at home. Lead researcher Randolph Barker added that there were significant differences in employees’ perceived stress on days when their dogs were brought to work and on days without their dogs. He says having dogs in the workplace may help lead to better employee performance and higher job satisfaction. Blue Cross, an organization that promotes bringing pets with good behavior to work, says that employees can take small breaks throughout the day and release some stress by petting dogs. As for the dogs, they become happier because they do not have to separate from their owners for long periods of time.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

●     If you were a CEO, would you allow employees to bring pets to work? Why or why not? 

●     In what other ways can stress at work be lessened?

Discussion B

●     What are some of the reasons why people own pets?

●     Do you think people who have pets are happier than those who do not have pets? Please explain your answer.

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UK Government Will Monitor Internet and Mobile Use

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

1. monitor (v.) [mon-i-ter]   to observe an activity without interrupting it

Example:   Government monitorsphone calls to keep the public safe.

2. intelligence agency (n.) [in-tel-i-juhns][ey-juhn-see] – a government department that gets information for the purpose of lawmaking or peace keeping

Example: The intelligence agency found information about the location of the terrorists.

3. warrant (n.)  [wawr-uhnt, wor-]  – an official document that allows someone to do a certain action

Example: The police presented a warrant to search the house.

4. surveillance (n.) [ser-vey-luhns, -veyl-yuhns] – the act of closely observing a person or a group

Example: The store is under surveillance to prevent theft.

5. execution (n.)  [ek-si-kyoo-shuhn]  – the act of putting a plan or decision into action

Example: Execution of the new laws will be done next month.

Article
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A new law may soon allow the UK government to monitor people’s mobile phone and Internet activities. The law will require communications companies to give the UK’s intelligence agency, GCHQ, real-time access to data from calls, texts and e-mails. The agency will also be able to learn which websites people visit. Intelligence officers will be able to identify who a person or group is in contact with, how often communication happens, and for how long people communicate with each other. To learn the actual content of a message, however, a warrant is still needed. According to the Home Office, the department responsible for UK security, the new law will ensure that communications data stay available even as technology continues to change. These data could then help in solving crime and monitoring terrorism activity. However, freedom rights groups are against the law, because it challenges people’s right to privacy. Under the new law, the government can access not only criminal and terrorist activities, but personal activities of ordinary people as well. Nick Pickles, director of the group Big Brother Watch, says there is no assurance that this surveillance strategy can really improve public safety. He says the law’s execution will also add huge costs to Internet businesses. But before the law becomes final, it still needs approval from the Parliament. Officials have already tried making similar laws in the past, but were unsuccessful because their suggestions were met with anger and concern from opposing groups.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         How can the Internet and mobile technology be used for harm?

·         What can be done to avoid the misuse of these technologies?

Discussion B

·         Why is a person’s privacy important?

·         Should a person give up his privacy to help the government keep peace?

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Britain Warns Its Olympic Team against Shaking Hands

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

1. dignitary (n) [dig-ni-ter-ee] – a person with a high position or rank

Example: Dignitaries attended the President’s party.

2. infection (n.) [in-fek-shuhn] – the spread of a sickness from one person to another

Example: Children may get infection when playing with other sick children. 

3. hygiene (n.) [hahy-jeen] –habits or activities that maintain good health

Example: Regularly brushing your teeth is considered good hygiene.

4. etiquette (n.) [et-i-kit, -ket] – accepted rules of polite behavior

Example: In most culture, shaking hands is an important social etiquette.

5. mingle (v.) [ming-guhl] – to move around and talk to different people (usually in parties or meetings)

Example: A good party host must mingle with the guests and make everyone feel comfortable.

Article 
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The British Olympian Association (BOA) has advised British athletes to avoid shaking the hands of competitors and foreign dignitaries during this year’s Olympics. Dr. Ian McCurdie, Chief Medical Officer of the BOA, cautions athletes about the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, in order to avoid getting sick. He says that the Olympic Village, which will house the British team and athletes from 204 countries, is a good environment for the spread of infection. While it may be a bit strange for British people to not greet others with a handshake, the BOA says athletes must take extra care not to catch infection. Dr. McCurdie stresses that even the tiniest feeling of discomfort could lead to a loss. Winning less medals would be disappointing, especially since Britain aims to reach at least fourth place, as it did when the country won 47 medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, some believe the doctor’s advice is too extreme. British etiquette expert Liz Wyse worries that failing to respond to another person’s offer of a handshake could be seen as impolite by visiting dignitaries and Olympians. Meanwhile, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) says U.S. athletes will not be told to avoid handshakes. According to the USOC, the Olympics is a chance for athletes to embrace the Olympic spirit and mingle with fellow athletes from all over the world.

Viewpoint Discussion 
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Do you agree with the BOA’s advice to British athletes? Please explain your answer

·         What can be other ways for athletes to avoid getting sick during the games?

Discussion B

·         What social etiquette is unique to your culture?

·         How important are social greetings like shaking one’s hand or bowing?

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Visiting Elderly Neighbors Can Help Save Their Lives

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

1. reassurance (n.) [ree-uh-shoor, -shur] –the act of making someone feel confident and less afraid or worried

Example: Her neighbor gave her reassurancethat she will be willing to help in time of need.

2. overlook (v.) [oh-ver-look] –  to fail at noticing something

Example:  Accidents may happen if broken appliances are overlooked.  

3. faulty (adj.) [fawl-tee] –  not working well

Example: The handyman fixed the faulty fire alarm.

4. measure (n.) [mezh-er] – action or procedure done for a specific purpose or result

Example: Using a seatbelt is a safety measure when driving. 

5. vulnerable (adj.) [vuhl-ner-uh-buhl] – easily exposed to danger or any form of harm

Example: Having a weak health can make babies vulnerable to viruses.

Article
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A research in the UK suggests that paying friendly visits to elderly neighbors not only offers them support and reassurance, visits can also help prevent accidents and save their lives. An online survey of 1000 people aged 60 and older showed that many elderly people risk getting into household accidents because they tend to overlook some safety measures. Almost 50% of elderly people said they had forgotten to turn off the iron or gas at some time in the past. Over half answered that they do not know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, while 94% said that they did not know who to call in case of a faulty gas appliance. Many of them also admitted that they do not always ask the identification of strangers they let into their homes.  However, even with these risks, research shows that only 1 out of 10 people of working age feel the need to visit and to check on the elderly. Survey results also showed that 25% of elderly people had visitors only once a month or less. Energy supply company National Grid had the survey conducted as part of Safer Homes Week, a week-long campaign that promotes household safety for the elderly. The company encourages younger people to visit or check their elderly neighbors more often, as well as to remind them about household safety measures. According to the UK Office for National Statistics, more than half of deaths in 2010 were caused by household accidents among people aged 65 and above. As such, organizations emphasize the importance of sharing safety information with the community's most vulnerable members.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

●     Should younger people be responsible for the safety of their elderly neighbors? Explain your answer.

●     In your culture, how are elderly people treated?

Discussion B

●     What safety measures at home do you follow?

●     Can you think of other ways to make sure that the elderly are not at risk of accidents at home?

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Europe Lowers Price of Roaming Mobile Services

Unlocking Word Meanings 

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

1. roaming (n.) [rohm-ing] – the  use of mobile phone outside the country where it is registered

Example: Businessmen need roaming services when they travel abroad.

2. maximum (n.) [mak-suh-muhm] – the highest possible amount

Example:   Employees cannot spend beyond the maximumbudget.

3. unreasonable (adj.) [uhn-ree-zuh-nuh-buhl, -reez-nuh-] -  not practical; not appropriate

Example: Paying more for poor service is unreasonable.

4. rip off (idiom) [rip-awf, -of] – to steal from or cheat

Example: The store rips off customers by charging more than the usual price of products.

5. notification (n.) [noh-tuh-fi-key-shuhn] – a written or printed message that gives official information to someone

Example: The secretary posted notifications of the general meeting in every department.

Article
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According to new rules set by the European Parliament, mobile phone companies across Europe must lower the prices of roaming services by July this year. The rules limit the maximum price companies can charge for some services. The charge for calls will be lowered from the current 30 pence to 24 pence (¥31) per minute. A text message, on the other hand, will cost 7.5p, down from the current price of 9p. Likewise, data downloading and Internet browsing, which currently has no maximum rate, will be limited to 59p per megabyte. Parliament’s decision is a solution to the unreasonable roaming charges that are said to rip off EU customers. Many of those who travel outside the EU are surprised to see their bills accumulating thousands of pounds in roaming fees. To prevent bill shock, a notification through text message or e-mail will be sent to customers who have already reached £41 or 50 euros worth of data downloads. However, the European Parliament is aiming to lower the prices even further. It plans to keep lowering prices, so that by July 2014, it can reach target prices of 15p for making calls, 16p for each megabyte of data downloaded and 6p for sending a text message. Also by July 2014, EU customers travelling within Europe will be allowed to choose and sign up for a separate roaming service from another network without having to change their current number.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         How did the Internet change the way people use their phones?

·         Can you cite one way of using mobile phones responsibly?

Discussion B

·         How can people control phone bills effectively?

·         Would you say customers alone are responsible for their high phone bills? Please explain further.

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Japanese Researcher Finds New Use for Spider Silk

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

1. profound (adj.) [pruh-found] – deep or very strongly felt

Example: An oboe produces a more profound sound than a flute.

2. twist (v.) [twist] – to join together individual threads by wrapping them to each other

Example:  Ropes are formed by twisting separate cords.

3. strand (n.) [strand] – a single, thin piece of wire, thread or any other similar material

Example: I combed the strands of my hair.

4. retain (v.) [ri-teyn] – to keep or continue to have something

Example: We cannot retain our youthful skin forever, because aging is unstoppable.

5. one of a kind (idiom) [wuhn][uhv][ey][kahynd] – unique or uncommon, so special that there is nothing like it

Example:  Handmade products are one of a kind.

Article
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Dr. Shigeyoshi Osaki, a Japanese researcher from Nara Medical University, has found a new material for making violin strings: spider silk. According to him, spider silk strings are not only strong; they also produce a softer and more profound sound than violin strings used today. The strength of spider silk violin strings may be due to the way they are made. In order to make a whole set of violin strings, Dr. Osaki used silk from 300 female spiders. He first twisted about 3000 to 5000 strands of spider silk to form a single cord. Three of such cords were then twisted together, resulting in one violin string. But it’s not the number of silk strands that make these violin strings special.  Dr. Osaki discovered that when packed together, spider silk strands leave no spaces between each other.  While other materials, like nylon, retain their shape when packed, spider silk strands change shape under pressure, allowing strands to be packed tightly. The lack of spaces in the material creates a solid string structure that is stronger than commonly produced nylon-core strings, but still weaker than traditional strings made from animal fibers, says Dr. Osaki. The strength of the silk material, however, assures that the strings would not easily break during a concert. Dr. Osaki believes the solid structure is also the reason why the strings’ sound is one of a kind. Professional violinists who have tried the strings have also said the good sound could lead to new kinds of music.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         How has nature challenged the way we think?

·         Do you agree with the statement “nature is our best teacher”? Please explain why.

Discussion B

·         What musical instrument do you like best? Why is that so?

·         Why do you think some people are interested in re-inventing musical instruments?

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