Wrestling to be Dropped from the Olympics

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

1. drop [drop] (v.) – to remove from a list or a set

Example: The managers will drop him from the team because of his bad attitude.

2. appall [uh-PAWL] (v.) – to make someone very shocked about something unpleasant or bad

Example: Fans were appalled when they learned the sports star had cheated in the race.

3. flock [flok] (v.) – to move in large numbers

Example: People flocked to the stadium to watch the championship game.

4. boycott [BOI-kot] (v.) – to refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a means of protest

Example: Some countries have boycotted the Olympics in the past because they did not agree with other countries’ policies.

5. relevant [REL-uh-vuhnt] (adj.) –closely connected to a particular subject

Example:  Employers check if you have work experiences relevant to the position you are applying for.

Article
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently dropped wrestling as a core sport from the Olympic Summer Games starting in 2020. Wrestling is now among eight sports (including baseball and karate) to compete for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics. The IOC will choose only one to join the 25 core sports. The IOC's decision appalled many wrestling fans. Supporters flocked to the Internet, where they set up pages like “Keep Wrestling in the Olympics” on Facebook and created the hashtag #SaveOlympicWrestling on Twitter. American fans also made petitions to the White House, asking the president to pressure the IOC into changing its decision. They likewise urged the US government to boycott the Olympic Games if wrestling was not brought back. Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, with records of matches going as far back as 3,000 B.C. It has been included in every modern Olympics since the Games began in 1896, except in the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris. However, despite its rich history, wrestling was removed in an effort to keep the Olympic Games relevant to sports fans of all ages, according to a statement by the IOC. The IOC had removed wrestling and other sports because of their low popularity during the Games. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles contends that the sport remains popular. The group says wrestling is being played in 180 countries, many of which have it as their national sport.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Do you agree with the IOC's decision to drop wrestling from the Olympics? Why or why not?

         Are there any sports that you think should be included in or removed from the Olympics?

Discussion B

         Can you describe old customs or activities in your country that are no longer being observed today? Why were they discontinued?

         Do you think we can make old practices relevant in today’s world? How?

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Mozilla to Release Firefox OS for Smartphones

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

1. operating system [OP-uh-rey-ting-SIS-tuh m] (n.) – the main software on computers and mobile phones that makes these devices understand and open other software

Example: Android is a well-known operating system for smartphones.

2. low-end [LOH-end] (adj.) – having the cheapest price among similar products

Example: He bought a low-end smartphone that has Internet features but no camera.

3. prototype [PROH-tuh-tahyp] (n.) – a model or version of a product not yet released to the public

Example: Engineers showed a prototype of the new laptop to see if it would appeal to the people.

4. app [ap] (n.) – a small program that is installed in a computer or smartphone’s operating system

Example: Smartphones usually have GPS or map apps installed in them.

5. predict [pri-DIKT] (v.) – to guess the result of an event

Example: The company predicts that they will have an increase in profit this coming year.

Article
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Mozilla, maker of the popular Firefox web browser, gave people a preview of its new operating system, Firefox OS, at the last Mobile World Congress.  The company is promoting Firefox OS as the better system to have on low-end smartphones. Sony Mobile Communications is already thinking about making smartphones with the Firefox OS. Sony’s deputy CEO Bob Ishida said that the company’s engineers are currently working with the company’s partners, and they hope to release a new product next year. Mozilla had also recently worked with Spanish telecom companies Telefonica and Geekphones to release prototypes of Firefox OS phones. Firefox phones will include Mozilla’s Firefox Marketplace. The marketplace allows users to try and to buy apps for games, news, media and business, among others. Social Networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook also announced that they plan to design apps for Firefox OS.   China’s ZTE and Korea’s LG Electronics will be some of the first companies to release Firefox phones to the public. ZTE plans a release of Firefox phones as early as June this year. Firefox phones will first be launched in Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Spain, and Venezuela. However, mobile phone users in the US and other countries may not be able to buy Firefox phones until 2014. Mozilla CEO Gary Kovacs said the company predicts that profit from Firefox phones would mostly come from developing countries, where there is a bigger market for low-end phones.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Why do you think a lot of people like using smartphones?

         Is it necessary to have a high-tech phone? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         What factors do you consider before buying a new gadget?

         Is it important to know what company made the gadget? Why do you say so?

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GE Plans to Invest $1 Billion for Nigeria’s Electricity

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

1. invest [in-VEST] (v.) – to spend money or capital to earn more money

Example: The company plans to invest on international companies to increase profit.

2. pressing [PRES-ing] (adj.) – needing instant or immediate attention

Example: Government leaders must act on the most pressing problems in the country, such as poverty.

3. materialize [muh-TEER-ee-uh-lahyz] (v.) – to become real

Example: The politicians’ promise to improve electric supply did not materialize because of lack of funds.

4. partnership [PAHRT-ner-ship] (n.) – a business relationship between two groups who equally share capitals, profits and losses

Example: The electric company plans a partnership with the government.

5. take over [TEYK-oh-ver] (v.) – to become in control

Example: Howard took over the company when his father became sick.

Article
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General Electric (GE), an American energy corporation, will invest $1 billion in Nigeria to provide more electricity and power production in the country. Poor electricity has been one of the most pressing problems in Nigeria. In fact, the region is still powered by electricity from generators. Many Nigerian leaders had promised to improve power supply, but none of their plans materialized mainly because of corruption in the power sector. Oil and power companies also stole from public funds, the country’s officials said. But this time, GE’s investment can be the answer to Nigeria’s problems in electricity. GE promises an increase in the electric supply by more than three times over the next 10 years. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also assured his people that improvements can begin by the end of this year. The investment will be a partnership between GE and private Nigerian companies. But, in addition, GE plans to take over one of Nigeria’s biggest power plants. GE will also look into Nigeria’s rich supply of gas and oil. The company will initially invest $250 million, while the rest will be allotted for maintenance, training and salaries of employees. Solving electricity problems in Nigeria may be difficult because of the vast corruption in the country. However, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga believes that the plan will work. Aside from addressing the problems on electricity, the investment will also create 2,000 jobs, mostly for Nigerians. Aganga added that GE’s investment would not only help produce electricity, but will also improve Nigeria’s economy by encouraging other investments.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

         Do you think it is wise for Nigeria to partner with a foreign company? Please explain your answer.

         What can be the possible dangers in Nigeria’s decision to work with GE?

Discussion B

         Why do you think corruption exists?

         How can corruption be stopped?

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Yahoo CEO Disallows Working from Home

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

1. memo [MEM-oh] (n.) – a written note sent to the company's staff

Example: According to the new memo, workers who come in late will have a penalty.

2. leak [leek] (v.) – to release secret information to the public

Example: An employee leaked the information about the company's new project to the media.

3. protest [pruh-TEST, PROH-test] (v.) – to show strong disapproval

Example: Many employees protested against the company’s plan to fire all home-based workers.

4. put heads together [poo t hedz tuh-GETH-er] (idiom) – to work together as a team

Example: The team members can finish planning the project faster if they put their heads together.

5. telecommute [TEL-i-kuh-myoot] (v.) – to work at home using a computer and the Internet

Example: RareJob tutors telecommute daily to teach their students.

Article
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Yahoo, a well-known media company, will no longer allow employees to work at home starting June 2013, according to an office memo that leaked recently. The memo from Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer said that Yahoo should not only involve finishing daily tasks but also direct communication among its employees, which can only be achieved inside an office. However, employees who are parents or have other businesses protested to this plan, including Richard Branson, founder and chairman of Virgin company. Branson believes that people should be free to work where they want to. Those who are protesting against Mayer's new rule think parents will be most affected by it because parents use their open schedule to take care of their children. Around 30 million people also telecommute every year. Additionally, telecommuting helps companies lessen expenses and have a varied workforce. On the other hand, some people think the plan can bring back strong office relationships. CBS news writer and analyst Mellody Hobson defends Mayer's decision by saying that this new rule promotes innovation through teamwork. By putting their heads together, employees can come up with good ideas for the media company. Hobson adds that Yahoo needs interaction not only through emails, but also through the physical presence of employees in the office. According to Hobson, some companies, like Apple, still succeed even with traditional office-based employment. She also recognized, however, other big and successful companies, such as Facebook, that allow telecommuting.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Do you agree with Mayer's decision to disallow telecommuting? Why or why not?

         What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of working at home?

Discussion B

         Why is it important to have good relationships between co-workers?

         How do you think can office relations be improved?

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Amazon Plans to Distribute Amazon Coins

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

1. retailer [ri-TEY-ler] (n.) – a person or company that sells things to people

Example: Rakuten is Japan’s biggest Internet retailer.

2. virtual [VUR-choo-uhl] (adj.) – existing only in computers and other devices or on the Internet and not in real life

Example: iPhone has Siri, a virtual secretary.

3. currency [KUR-uhn-see, KUHR-] (n.) – a specific kind of money used in a certain country or place

Example: The Japanese currency is called Yen.

4. deposit [dih-POZ-it] (v.) – to put or leave something in a specific place

Example: The bank clerk helped the lady deposit money in her daughter’s bank account.

5. convince [kuhn-VINS] (v.) – to make someone believe that something is true or false

Example: The salesman convinced the customer that she needed the new product.

Article
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Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, has announced its plan to distribute its own virtual currency called Amazon Coins, which can be used in buying apps. In May this year, Amazon will be giving its customers more than ten million dollar worth of free Amazon Coins, in which one Coin is equal to one cent. Amazon customers can purchase apps and games with the new Amazon coins, in addition to their credit cards. Parents with Kindle Fires can also benefit from Amazon’s virtual currency.  Right now, parents use a service called Kindle FreeTime that allows children to play and use Kindle Fire. However, Kindle FreeTime bans children from buying anything on Amazon without their parents’ permission. With Amazon’s new virtual currency, parents can deposit a specific number of Amazon Coins in Kindle FreeTime to control the money their children spend on games and apps. Amazon is convincing app developers that the new virtual currency will increase their profits. In addition, Amazon encourages developers to offer customers the option of paying products with Amazon Coins. However, some app developers are not convinced that Amazon Coins would improve the current payment system. Kevin Galligan, an android app developer, even said that he does not understand the difference between Amazon Coins and real money. In contrast, in-game economist Yanis Varoufakis, said virtual currencies can keep customers loyal to a company because Amazon coins are not transferable and can only be used in the same game or company.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

         Do you think virtual currencies will replace real currency in the future? Why or why not?

         Would you feel more comfortable buying online items using virtual currency than using a credit card? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         In your opinion, what are the advantages of virtual currencies like Amazon Coin?

         What do you think are the disadvantages of virtual currencies?

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