PC is Now Dying, Report Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. rumor [ROO-mer] (n.) – a widespread story or information that is not yet confirmed to be true

Example: She still bought the cellphone despite rumors that it is prone to system failure.

           

2. capitalize [KAP-i-tl-ahyz] (v.) – to make something an advantage

Example: The businessman capitalized on his fame by opening new shops.

3. radical [RAD-i-kuh l] (adj.) – very different from the original or the ordinary

Example: The employee got confused with his computer after the IT department made radical changes. 

4. interface [IN-ter-feys] (n.) – a system that controls how information appears in a computer or how a computer interacts with its user

Example: Many people find the interface of Windows easy to operate.

5. contemplate [KON-tuh m-pleyt, -tem-] (v.) – to carefully think about doing an activity

Example: The programmer contemplated on changing his tiring job.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Recent report confirms the rumor that traditional computers are experiencing a fast death in the market due to very low sales. According to the report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) last April, PC sales are decreasing by 14% year after year. But, not only Windows is affected; even Apple's Mac computers are showing no sales improvement with almost 0% increase every year. Many theories about the PC's low sales exist nowadays. However, all theories seem to agree that the PC is becoming out of the market because of the makers' inability to capitalize on the growing mobile technology.  The report also claims that the introduction of Windows 8 in the market is not strategic for PCs because of the radical changes, such as the new user interface with no start button and its costly package. Only some appreciated these changes, while most people find Window 8 less attractive than the cheaper tablets and alternatives. However, Microsoft lovers may still have hope. According to reports, Microsoft is planning to release another version of Windows by the end of this year. Codenamed Windows Blue, the new version will give users the option to bring back the traditional or default desktop. The company is also contemplating on the idea of releasing smaller and less expensive tablets, which are proven to be the market's favorite. As a start, Microsoft issued a statement that its latest operating system Windows 8 will now support screens as small as seven inches.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think tablets and other mobile devices will entirely replace PCs in the future? Why or why not?

         What do you think are other reasons behind the decrease in PC sales?

Discussion B

         Do you think people can no longer live without technology? Please explain your answer.

         How did improvements in technology affect your life?

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Scientists Discover a New Hormone that May Cure Diabetes

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. hormone [HAWR-mohn] (n.) – a natural substance that helps the body’s growth and development

Example:  People grow taller because of growth hormones.

           

2. regulate [REG-yuh-leyt] (v.) – to adjust the amount of something

Example: The nurse regulated the temperature inside the patient’s room by adjusting the air conditioner.

3. genetic [juh-NET-ik] (adj.) – determined or produced by the genes

Example: Genetic diseases can be passed on from generation to generation.

4. arm [ahrm] (n.) – a branch of an organization that has a specific function

Example: The Science and Technology Policy Bureau is an arm of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

5. soluble [SOL-yuh-buh l] (adj.) – can be melted or dissolved in a liquid

Example: The mother bought some soluble food for her toothless child.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Researchers from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have discovered a new hormone that encourages the production of the cells destroyed by diabetes. The new hormone Betatrophin promotes beta cell production. These beta cells from the pancreas produce a hormone called insulin, which regulates the sugar build up in the blood. People with diabetes lack the supply of insulin, thus having the risk of organ and blood vessel damages due to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes has two types. One is Type 2 diabetes, which is caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and some genetic factors. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body's immune system attacks the beta cells by mistake. In both types of diabetes, the body cannot properly make insulin. Patients must therefore inject insulin to regulate the sugar level in their body. However, this solution can be tricky and most people cannot do it right. With the new hormone, more beta cells can be produced, which may then help the body better regulate the production of insulin. Evotec, a German biotech firm, and Janssen, the pharmaceutical arm of Johnson and Johnson, have licensed and authorized the discovery. Both companies are now trying to make betatrophin available for human treatment. This task, however, is not so simple. Dr. Douglas Melton, the project leader, says his team has been able to produce betatrophin in different kinds of cells but still cannot make it into a soluble form. Once it becomes soluble, the hormone can be ready and available for use.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         How do you think can this discovery affect the life of diabetics?

         Why is it important to find cure for diseases like Diabetes?

Discussion B

         How can people prevent having serious illnesses like Diabetes?

         What practices do you perform in order to have a healthy lifestyle? Please explain your answer.

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Long-term Car Loans Cost Buyers More Money

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. loan [lohn] (n.) – a sum of borrowed money

Example: My father applied for a bank loan so we can buy a bigger house.

2. term [turm] (n.) – the amount of time in which something lasts

 Example: The term of his bank loan ends in December this year.

3. installment [in-STAWL-muh nt] (n.) – a series of payments for a debt

Example: She pays the bank monthly installments of $1,500 to settle her $18,000 debt.

4. add insult to injury [ad IN-suh lt too IN-juh-ree] (idiom) – to make something bad even worse

Example: To add insult to injury, the insurance company refused to pay for the repair after the car accident.

5.  the bigger picture [thuh BIG-er PIK-cher] (idiom) – the overall situation or the most important part

Example: You can look at the bigger picture if you focus on the whole idea instead of the details.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Car loans are now becoming longer than before, causing higher interest rates that worry some financial analysts. More and more people are choosing six to seven-year terms for their car loans, with some even stretching to eight years. In the last quarter of 2012, the average car loan reached 65 months or nearly six years, a new record in the car loan industry. Long-term loans are becoming popular because they allow the buyers to buy a car at lower monthly installments. However, analysts say that choosing longer loans is a wrong financial choice. With longer loans, the buyer pays more interest because payments are stretched out over a longer period of time. To add insult to injury, interest rates are typically higher for longer loans. To illustrate the difference, Consumer Reports analyzed the purchase of a car worth $30,520. With a four-year loan, the interest rate would be 3.39%, resulting in a total cost of $34,702. With a six-year loan, however, the interest rate would be higher at 3.99%, increasing the total cost to $36,339. The difference between the four-year and six-year loans is $1,637, which can be higher for seven-year and eight-year loans. According to Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book 2013, buyers need to look at the bigger picture when choosing car loan terms. Instead of just focusing on making monthly payments lower, buyers should also look at the total cost of their loans. Gillis thus suggests that any car loan should not be longer than 48 months.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you agree that short-term loans are the wiser financial choice? Why or why not?

         Would you rather apply for a long-term loan and pay a higher interest or get a short-term loan at a lower interest rate? Explain your answer.

Discussion B

         Do you believe that cars are good investment? Why or why not?

         If you had to buy one car, what kind of car would it be and why? Discuss with your tutor.

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Online Exercises Designed to Make People Smarter

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. presumably [pri-ZOO-muh-blee] (adv.) – most likely to happen

Example: He will presumably get good grades after studying hard for the exam.

2. dub [duhb] (v.) – to give a person or an object a descriptive nickname

Example: She is dubbed as the “Queen of Chess” after winning the national chess tournament.

3. deterioration [dih-teer-ee-uh-REY-shuh n] (n.) – the condition of being worse in terms of quality or strength

Example: The deterioration of her memory is caused by her old age.

4. impact [IM-pakt] (n.) – a strong influence or a powerful effect

Example: Having enough sleep has a great impact on one’s ability to focus and concentrate.

5. in the long run [in thuh lawng ruhn] (idiom) – after a long time or in the end

Example: Thinking positively will do you good in the long run.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Brain experts and psychologists from Stanford University designed Lumosity, a web-based program that presumably improves intelligence and develops mental skills. Dubbed as a “brain training program,” Lumosity systematically provides exercises for the brain. At the end of every exercise, the program provides a report showing the user’s performance and progress. Lumosity also undergoes regular changes in order to develop the games that further reinforce the strengths of the users. Brain experts believe that constant effort and practice can prevent the deterioration of one’s thinking capacity to keep the brain active. Carrying out mental exercises and doing mind games will also create more connections between brain cells. These connections can later improve intelligence. According to the creators of Lumosity, users who undergo the online program will experience faster thinking, better memory, increased alertness and improved concentration. Having developed intellectual functions will create a positive impact on one’s personal, social and professional well-being. Creators conducted trials to prove the program’s effectiveness. Results revealed that students who used Lumosity for six weeks got higher Math scores by 34% compared with students who are non-users of Lumosity. Most of the games and exercises in Lumosity’s website are free. However, a subscription fee is required to fully utilize the program in the long run. The company is offering free trial for new users to familiarize themselves with the program before they decide to subscribe.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think Lumosity can be effective in improving mental skills? Why or why not?

         Aside from keeping our mind active, how else can people achieve good mental health and well-being?

Discussion B

         How important are memory skills, mental alertness, and concentration in your job/studies?

         What daily tasks and activities do you find tiring or demanding for your brain? Why do you say so?

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Google Warns About Health Risks of Google Glass

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. strain [streyn] (n.) – a condition of being stressed after doing too much work

Example: I felt the strain of working after performing so many tasks.

2. wearable computer [WAIR-uh-buh l kuh m-PYOO-ter] (n. phrase) – a small electronic device worn by the user as part of his or her overall clothing

Example: Many people want to use wearable computers that are portable and handy.

3. field of vision [feeld ov VIZH-uh n] (n. phrase) – the area seen by the eyes at a specific direction

Example: Wearing a mask can greatly limit one’s field of vision.

4. ophthalmology [of-thuh l-MOL-uh-jee] (n.) – (In medicine) the study of the parts, functions, and diseases of the eye

Example: Having a blind mother inspired him to study ophthalmology.

5. irreparable [ih-REP-er-uh-buh l] (adj.) – cannot be repaired or corrected

Example: The woman’s eye damage is irreparable and may cause blindness.   

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Google is warning potential users that its latest product, Google Glass, may cause eye strain and may not be suitable for children under 13 years of age. Google Glass is a wearable computer worn like normal eyeglasses. The device communicates with the user through a tiny display located at the right side, just above one’s field of vision. The user needs to look up to see the information being displayed. According to Google, the device may cause eye strain or headache to some users.  Google also advised children under 13 not to use the product to avoid damaging their eye development. Likewise, Google warns that people who have undergone LASIK eye surgery must consult doctors before using the Glass. A Google spokesperson said, however, that the company is working closely with ophthalmologists in developing the device. The company also considers safety especially because the device is not yet tested on children. However, Dr. James Salz, spokesperson of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, expressed his surprise about Google’s warnings. He said that he cannot see a scientific reason why children under 13 might have troubles using the device. He added that children’s eyes mature when the kids become six or seven. Dr. Salz also compared the experience of using the Google Glass to reading a book with small text for several hours. Although both activities may cause discomfort, they would not do irreparable damage to the eyes. Dr. Salz thus concluded that any person should try the product to know what its effects are. But generally, he believes that most people can safely use the Google Glass.

【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 wearable computers like Google Glass will become popular? Why or why not?

         For you, what are the advantages and disadvantages of wearable computers? Discuss with your tutor.

Discussion B

         Should children be allowed to use or have their own personal computers? Why or why not?

         Why do you think today’s children spend too much time using computers?

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