Anti-Social App Lets You Avoid People

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. antithesis [an-TITH-uh-seez] (n.) – the equal but complete opposite of something

Example: Insecurity is the antithesis of self-confidence.

2. run into [ruhn IN-too] (idiom) – to briefly meet someone accidentally or unexpectedly

Example: He was a little uncomfortable when he ran into his boss in the bar.

3. geolocation [jee-uh-loh-KEY-shuh n] (n.) – the way of locating a person or a device through information provided on the Internet

Example: The app’s geolocation identifies where the user’s friends are. 

4. vicinity [vi-SIN-i-tee] (n.) – the area that surrounds a particular place

Example: He just drove away when he couldn’t find a parking space in the vicinity.

5. operating system [OP-uh-rey-ting SIS-tuh m] (n.) – the program controls the computer and its functions

Example: The computer was completely useless because its operating system was malfunctioning.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new app designed to help users avoid unwanted encounters with other people has been recently released in the Apple App Store. Created by programmers Brian Moore [BRAHY-uh n mohr] and Chris Baker [kris BEY-ker], ‘Cloak’ can be considered as the antithesis of social networking sites. The main function of this app is to keep users from running into people. Cloak is the latest among Baker’s anti-social applications. He is well-known for developing software that helps users avoid people in a fun way, such as the plugin ‘Rather.’ With Cloak, users will have the chance to completely avoid people they do not want to see in real life. The app uses geolocation that allows the user to see if any of the people they want to avoid are within the user’s vicinity. It also displays the photos of the user’s friends on a map. Those who the user does not want to bump into will be flagged. However, the app only works if the people the user wants to avoid are dedicated users of certain social networking sites, particularly those that trace the users’ geolocation. This is because Cloak uses this information to constantly keep track of each person’s location. According to Baker, anti-social applications are necessary because they let users avoid people who they do not want to meet. The need for anti-social apps also increases as the social media becomes more crowded. Cloak is currently available only to Apple devices. However, the creators plan to expand it to other operating systems if the app proves to be successful. They are also planning to add more features to the app in the future.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you use the Cloak app? Why or why not?

         What do you think are disadvantages of using anti-social applications?

Discussion B

         What are the good ways and bad ways in which social networking sites have changed the way people treat their friends?

         Why do you think some people are obsessed with making lots of online friends they don’t know in real life?

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Ferrari to Open Theme Park in Spain in 2016

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. on the way [ON thuh wey] (idiom) – soon to happen or be seen

Example: The company’s third branch is on the way of being established.

2. mark [mark] (v.) – to signify or be a symbol of something

Example: The transfer to a larger building marked a new beginning for the company.

3. legacy [LEG-uh-see] (n.) – a rich and admirable history of something

Example: The dedication of the company’s earliest presidents led to a great legacy.

4. must-see [MUHST-SEE] (adj.) – notable and highly suggested to be seen or visited

Example: Disneyland is one of the must-see amusement parks in the world.

5. venture [VEN-cher] (n.) – an attempt for a new business

Example: Hotel establishments will be the company’s new venture.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Three years after its first amusement park opened in Dubai [doo-BAHY], Italian car manufacturer Ferrari announced that another park is on the way. In partnership with PortAventura Entertainment, Ferrari will open the ‘Ferrari Land’ in 2016 as part of PortAventura [port-a-ven-TOO-ra] theme [theem] park and resort in Catalonia, Spain. Ferrari aims to provide a unique opportunity for families to discover the world of the famous car brand while having fun in the park. Ferrari World’s opening in Dubai last 2010 marked a new chapter for the brand’s legacy. Aside from being the world’s biggest indoor theme park, Ferrari World features the fastest roller coaster in the world. Also, visitors can experience actual and virtual exhibits of various car models. The must-see park will include Europe’s highest and fastest vertical accelerator and a first-class establishment with restaurants and activity rooms. The world’s largest Ferrari gallery and Ferrari shop are also located in the new venue. According to reports, the construction of this theme park would cost $136 million. The outstanding quality of the first theme park certainly set the standard for Ferrari’s next venture. Andrea Perrone [AN-drey-uh pe-ROH-ne], Ferrari Brand’s CEO, said the success of Ferrari World led to the development of Ferrari Land. Perrone added that the company chose Investindustrial [in-VEST-in-DUHS-tree-uh l], PortAventura’s parent company, because of its very solid proposal. The large number of Ferrari supporters in Spain and PortAventura’s high number of tourist visitors also played as key factors in the decision. Perrone said the company will assess other proposals that can possibly lead to more Ferrari parks in the future.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What features of Ferrari World do you like most? Kindly discuss.

         Do you think this theme park can also be popular in your country? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Why do you think people like to experience extreme rides such as roller coasters?

         What was the most extreme experience you had in the past?

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Selfie Causes Plastic Surgery Rate to Rise

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. all the rage [awl th uh reyj] (idiom) – to become popular at a particular time

Example: The colored hairdo became all the rage among the younger generation.

2. in-crowd [IN-kroud] (n.) – a group of people considered popular or fashionable

Example: He brought expensive clothes to be like the in-crowd.

3. cosmetic [koz-MET-ik] (adj.) – refers to something that restores or improves someone’s looks

Example: The doctor recommended some cosmetic products to her client.

4. self-esteem [SELF-i-STEEM] (n.) – a favorable impression of one’s own worth; confidence in oneself

Example: Most celebrities have a high self-esteem.

5. legitimate [li-JIT-uh-mit] (adj.) – referring to something that is accepted; real or authorized

Example: The lawyer argued that the evidence is legitimate.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Because of all the rage over selfies, the demand for plastic surgeries has overwhelmingly increased. One third of the total members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reported that operations increased last year because of pictures posted on social media. The institution found that nose jobs, hair transplants, and eyelid surgery significantly rose by 10 per cent, seven per cent, and six per cent respectively. According to Dr. Edward Farrior, image-based social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Selfie.im urge people to change the way they look. They tend to compare themselves with the in-crowd, causing them to look at themselves critically. He said that people should lessen or completely stop taking selfies to avoid having low self-esteem. Face lifts, nose jobs, and Botox were the most popular selfie-inspired cosmetic procedures for women, Dr. Farrior said. Men, on the other hand, commonly asked for Botox and hair transplant. A huge percentage of people who undergo plastic surgery are 30 years old and below. Selfie continues to be at the height of social networking and pop culture. As a matter of fact, dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary already consider it a legitimate word. People from different walks of life become more and more involved in this trend. According to a survey, British people take 35 million selfies a month. This includes older people who are 65 years old and above. Popular personalities also openly participate in this mania. Actor Bradley Cooper took one of the most talked about celebrity selfies at the Oscars.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Should plastic surgery be done for cosmetic purposes?  Why or why not?

         Why do you think people take selfies?

Discussion B

         What can be the bad effects of social media?

         What should people avoid when using social media? Explain.

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Free Global Wi-Fi Connection Using “Outernet”

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. bridge the gap [brij-th uh-gap] (idiom) – to create a connection between two different things

Example: The government designs economic plans to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

2. far-flung [FAHR-FLUHNG] (adj.) – having far distance

Example: Network signal is rare in far-flung areas.

3. reach [reech] (n.) – area of coverage or the distance capable of being contacted

Example: The Wi-Fi connection’s reach extends to our neighbor’s house.

4. launch [lawnch, lahnch] (v.) – to begin or start something

Example: A group of researchers recently launched a new experiment.

5. restricted [ri-STRIK-tid] (adj.) – limited or unavailable to certain areas

Example: Some regions in the country have restricted Internet access.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A team of IT experts from New York are currently developing a technology to give everyone free Internet access anywhere. The project called “Outernet” was founded in December 2013 by Syed Karim [see-yed kah-RIM], Aaron Rogers [AIR-uhn ROJ-ers], Branko Vukelic [brang-ko VOO-keh-leech], and Edward Birrane [ED-werd buh-REYN].  The team plans to launch a network of small satellites [SAT-l-ahyts] that will send Wi-Fi [WAHY-fahy] signals from space. This connection will bridge the gap between global information and people from far-flung areas. The IT experts hope to provide free access to online educational materials, references, international news, and other programs. Outernet’s mechanism will be similar to the Wi-Fi “multicasting” used in crowded areas like stadiums. With several 10-centimeter cube-shaped satellites called “cubesats” thrown to the space, Wi-Fi connection’s reach will be widened across the Earth. However, developed cities or countries with existing networks or Wi-Fi hotspots may not benefit from Outernet as much as areas without network connections. This means that Outernet would be more useful in countries with restricted Internet access like China and North Korea. Outernet, which is supported by the Media Development Investment Fund, will start sending out satellites in space in June 2015.

【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 of the “Outernet” project? Please explain your answer.

         Can you think of any disadvantages of having free internet access (i.e. for Internet service providers, etc.)?

Discussion B

         Do you think Internet access is important? Why or why not?

         Without the Internet, how do you think people’s way of living will change? Please explain your answer.

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Most Americans Prefer the Internet to Television, Survey Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. hooked [hoo kt] (adj.) – having so much interest on doing something

Example: He got hooked on the computer game after he first played it.

2. insight [IN-sahyt] (n.) – a clear idea and understanding of something

Example: The book gave her insights on how the Internet began.

3. immense [ih-MENS] (adj.) – very big or having great amount

Example: The immense demand for the new phone model led to an early release.

4. reluctant [ri-LUHK-tuh nt] (adj.) – not ready or does not want to do something

Example: Her parents were reluctant to apply for the expensive Internet subscription.

5. compliment [KOM-pluh-ment] (v.) – to say good things or praise something

Example: Many people complimented the user-friendly website.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

More Americans are now hooked on the Internet to the point that they would rather go online than watch television, survey says. The survey came out as part of the 25th anniversary of the World Wide Web. Pew [pyu] Research Center conducted it to gain insight on the Internet’s importance for U.S. citizens. Since its creation in March 12, 1989, Internet usage has kept on growing. The technology’s immense popularity is evident in Pew’s findings. According to the recent survey, 53% of Internet users in the U.S. would find it difficult to give up Internet access. In a 2006 survey, only 38% of the respondents were reluctant to give up Internet use. On another note, fewer respondents showed loyalty to television. From 44% in 2006, only 35% of American adults cannot let go of their TV sets. Similar changes were also seen on telephone usage. The number of respondents who view landline phone as a necessity has dropped from 48% in 2006 to 28% today. In addition, 49% of mobile phone users said cellphones are very important – a minor increase from 44% in 2006. According to Pew, mobile device plays a huge role on the Internet’s growth. Results showed that 68% of Internet users go online through handheld gadgets like smartphones and tablets. When asked about the World Wide Web’s effects, 90% of the respondents complimented the technology, although 6% personally think it has bad effects. Also, three out of four people think that the Internet is beneficial to the society, while 15% of them think otherwise.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Why do you think more people now prefer the Internet over the television?

         In your opinion, what will be the future of television?

Discussion B

         How influential is media in your country?

         How can media be used as a tool for progress?

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