Clenching the Hands May Improve Memory, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. clench [klench] (v.) – to tightly close something, such as hands and teeth

Example: My father usually clenches his hands when he is angry.

2. recollect [ree-kuh-LEKT] (v.) – to recall or to remember

 Example: She tried to recollect her dream when she woke up.

3. encode [en-KOHD] (v.) – to store information in the brain

Example: Good concentration ensures that memories are well-encoded in the brain.

4. trigger [trig-ER] (v.) – to activate, to start, or to initiate something

Example: Fear may trigger the fall of tears.

5. sample [SAM-puhl] (n.) – a group of people that represents a larger group and are studied by researchers

Example: Out of 1000 people, the scientists performed the tests using a sample of only 400 people.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study published in the PLOS ONE journal suggests that clenching the hands can improve a person’s memory. U.S. psychologists said that clenching the right hand may help in forming stronger memories, while clenching the left hand may help in remembering those memories later on. The scientists from Montclair State University in New Jersey studied 50 right-handed participants, who were divided into five groups and given a list of words to memorize. The first group clenched the right hand for 90 seconds before memorizing and before trying to remember the words. The second group did the same, but with the left hand. The third and fourth groups clenched one hand before memorizing and clenched the other hand before recollecting. The last group, on the other hand, did not clench their hands at all. The researchers found that the participants who clenched their right hand before memorizing and clenched their left hand before recollecting performed the best among the groups. These results align with previous studies showing that clenching the right hand activates the left side of the brain. The left part of the brain is responsible for encoding memories. Clenching the left hand, in contrast, triggers the right side of the brain, which is responsible for retrieving memories. However, scientists need more work to confirm the new claims, said Professor Neil Burgess of University College London. He suggests that the scientists should conduct further investigation using a larger sample. He also recommends using brain scanning technology to confirm and validate the claims.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you believe that it is important to have a good memory? Why or why not?

         What do you usually do when you need to remember something? Share your strategies with your tutor.

Discussion B

         When do you find keeping memories helpful? Why do you say so?

         Some people like to document their lives through pictures or by maintaining online diaries. Do you do the same? Why or why not?

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Tourists Help Boston Recover after Bombing

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. gratitude [GRAT-i-tood, -tyood] (n.) – a feeling of being thankful

Example:  The fire victims expressed their gratitude towards the firefighters.

2. adjacent [uh-JEY-suh nt] (adj.) – situated near or close to something

Example: She felt happy knowing that her new apartment is adjacent to the mall.

3. critical [KRIT-i-kuh l] (adj.) – very important because of the level of difficulty, trouble or danger involved

Example: Protecting the civilians while stopping the rebels from causing violence and trouble is critical for the military.

4. halt [hawlt] (v.) – to permanently or temporarily stop moving or operating

Example: Many stores halted operations for a few weeks because of the storm’s damage.

5. disaster [dih-ZAS-ter, -ZAH-ster] (n.) – an event that causes serious loss, destruction and hardship

Example: Terrorist attacks were one of the most threatening disasters faced by the US government.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Tourists in Boston help business establishments recover millions worth of losses just weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing last April 15. Visitors come to the area and spend their money in restaurants and in stores located in or adjacent to the bombing site. Reports also say that many tourists surprisingly travel in Boston to walk along the Boylston Street, the area of the recent tragedy. People even visit the exact spot where the bomb exploded to pay their respects. Unlike the 911 terrorist attacks in New York last 2001, the damages caused by the Boston Marathon bombing were not as critical. However, many businesses in the area still need to close and halt their operations to repair minor damages and give way to the investigations. Despite the damages, Boston’s businessmen are still thankful for the sympathy of the people around their businesses. Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports, expressed his gratitude for the support that his store has been getting from its customers. Marathon Sports, a running goods store near the Boston Marathon finish line, is the site of the first two explosions that killed three people and injured many. Despite the increasing number of visitors in Boston, some businesses still cannot easily make up for the millions of losses caused by the bombing incident. Establishments such as doctor’s clinics, hair salons and service providers still cannot accommodate more clients and customers all at once. To help the businesses recover, the U.S. Small Business Administration will also provide disaster loans to as much as $2 million with low interest rates.

【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 many people still want to go and travel to Boston despite the recent bombing incident?

         Aside from causing damage to the economy, how else can terrorism attacks affect a country?

Discussion B

         Would you still visit or travel to a famous tourist destination even if it is dangerous? Please explain your answer.

         Are there places in your country that are not safe for tourists? What makes those places unsafe?

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Excessive Facebook Use Can Damage Relationships

Facebook and other social media sites are a fact of life.  It's how I keep up with my extended family and friends even though we are spread out all over the country.  It's a useful tool for maintaining contact with the people in your life you care about.

But what about those people who seem to lack a life outside a social media website?  Here's some very useful information on how over-dependence on social media damages a relationship.

*  *  *  *  *

Facebook and other social networking web sites have revolutionized the way people create and maintain relationships. However, new research shows that Facebook use could actually be damaging to users' romantic relationships. Russell Clayton, a doctoral student in the University of Missouri School of Journalism, found that individuals who use Facebook excessively are far more likely to experience Facebook-related conflict with their romantic partners, which then may cause negative relationship outcomes including emotional and physical cheating, breakup and divorce.

In their study, Clayton, along with Alexander Nagurney, an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Jessica R. Smith, a doctoral student at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, surveyed Facebook users ages 18 to 82 years old. Participants were asked to describe how often they used Facebook and how much, if any, conflict arose between their current or former partners as a result of Facebook use.

The researchers found that high levels of Facebook use among couples significantly predicted Facebook-related conflict, which then significantly predicted negative relationship outcomes such as cheating, breakup, and divorce

"Previous research has shown that the more a person in a romantic relationship uses Facebook, the more likely they are to monitor their partner's Facebook activity more stringently, which can lead to feelings of jealousy," Clayton said. "Facebook-induced jealousy may lead to arguments concerning past partners. Also, our study found that excessive Facebook users are more likely to connect or reconnect with other Facebook users, including previous partners, which may lead to emotional and physical cheating."

Clayton says this trend was particularly apparent in newer relationships.

"These findings held only for couples who had been in relationships of three years or less," Clayton said. "This suggests that Facebook may be a threat to relationships that are not fully matured. On the other hand, participants who have been in relationships for longer than three years may not use Facebook as often, or may have more matured relationships, and therefore Facebook use may not be a threat or concern."

In order to prevent such conflict from arising, Clayton recommends couples, especially those who have not been together for very long, to limit their own personal Facebook use.

"Although Facebook is a great way to learn about someone, excessive Facebook use may be damaging to newer romantic relationships," Clayton said. "Cutting back to moderate, healthy levels of Facebook usage could help reduce conflict, particularly for newer couples who are still learning about each other."

*  *  *  *  *

You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourse
by David Mcraney

Story Source:  University of Missouri-Columbia (2013, June 6). Excessive Facebook use can damage relationships, study suggests.

The Bicycling Monarchs of the Netherlands

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. peculiar [pi-KYOOL-yer] (adj.) – odd, unusual, or strange

Example: The king had a peculiar habit of eating the dessert before the soup.

2. investiture [in-VES-ti-cher] (n.) – a ceremony done to confirm a position or rank

 Example: Many people gathered to witness the investiture of the newly-elected governor.

3. abdicate [AB-di-keyt] (v.) – to give up the position of being a king or queen

Example: The queen abdicated the throne and let her sister rule the kingdom.

4. smooth sailing [smooth SEY-ling] (idiom) – free from problems and difficulties

Example: The queen’s long reign was not all smooth sailing because it was characterized by poverty and poor health conditions.

5. accessible [ak-SES-uh-buh l] (adj.) – easy to approach or speak to

Example: The President makes herself accessible to her people by allotting time for public meetings.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Dutch monarchy is considered one of the most peculiar monarchies in the world, but its long history serves as a proof of the unity of the people of the Netherlands. The monarchy is known for being relaxed and less formal, thus earning the nickname “the bicycling monarchy.” The fact that new Dutch monarchs undergo simple investitures instead of grand coronation ceremonies also contributes to such nickname. The Dutch’s system is also known for monarchs who have high tendencies of abdicating the throne. The first Dutch monarch, Willem 1, abdicated in 1840. The past three queens, Wilhelmina, Juliana, and Beatrix, have also done the same. The monarchy also exhibits adaptability. The roles of the monarchs underwent many changes over the centuries. For example, the monarch’s role as head of the army was recently removed. However, the Dutch monarchy is not all smooth sailing. The royal family has gotten its fair share of scandals, mostly involving controversial marriages. In 1966, the marriage of Queen Beatrix to a German diplomat caused national riots. Even Willem-Alexander, the current king, got involved in a scandal when he married Maxima Zorreguieta, an Argentinian, in 2002. Maxima’s Argentinian parents were not even invited to the wedding. Despite all these scandals, the monarchy remains popular with the Dutch people. As evidenced by the positive ratings in opinion polls, the Dutch people clearly respond well to the friendly and accessible image of their monarchy. In fact, the monarchy has always been successful in establishing a significant role in this changing world.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Should leaders maintain a powerful and strong image, or a friendly and accessible one? Explain your answer.

         In your opinion, how can a leader gain a friendly, down-to-earth reputation among his people?

Discussion B

         Are you in favor of the monarchy system? Why or why not?

         What do you think are the aspects of your government that should be improved? Tell your tutor about it.

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Lawyer Charges Concert Promoter for Michael Jackson’s Death

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. implicate [IM-pli-keyt] (v.) – to reveal that someone is involved in an activity, especially a crime

Example: The statements of witnesses implicate the suspect in drug dealing and theft.

2. neglect [ni-GLEKT] (v.) – to ignore someone or something

Example: Neglecting his disease caused his worsening health.

3. hold (someone) responsible [hohld ri-SPON-suh-buh l] (v. phrase) – to accuse or put the blame on a person

Example: They held him responsible for starting the fire after evidences were revealed.

4. liability [lahy-uh-BIL-i-tee] (n.) – the condition of being responsible or accountable

Example: The factory paid the injured workers after accepting its liability for the mechanical accident.

5. testimony [TES-tuh-moh-nee, or, esp. British, -muh-nee] (n.) – a statement given by a witness in court

Example: Her friend’s testimonies will push her husband’s conviction for physical abuse.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The lawyer of the Jackson family claims that the concert promoter AEG Live should be held responsible for hiring Dr. Conrad Murray and for pushing Michael Jackson to do a concert despite poor health. Dr. Murray was already convicted for prescribing a fatal dose of sleep-inducing drugs to Michael Jackson, causing the superstar’s sudden death in 2009. The doctor has been in jail since 2011. Based on the civil charges filed by Michael’s family, AEG Live has apparently known about the King of Pop’s addiction to pain medications. Yet, the promoter neglected this fact to push the singer’s “This Is It” concert tour. However, AEG Live denies the accusations that implicate the company in Michael Jackson’s death. Lawyers of AEG Live pointed out that the concert promoter could not have any knowledge about the singer’s private life because Michael never exposed his secret addiction. Several Hollywood celebrities, including Diana Ross and Quincy Jones, might provide statements to support the Jackson family’s claims. Michael’s ex-wives Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe are also considered as possible witnesses. But, the testimonies of Michael Jackson’s eldest children, Prince and Paris, are expected to be the most emotional and critical as the narrations will detail the final days of Michael’s life. To decide upon AEG Live’s liability for Michael’s death, a jury composed of 12 judges will hear arguments from both sides until summer. If proven guilty, AEG might be required to pay tens of millions of dollars for damages.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think Michael Jackson’s untimely death could have been prevented if AEG Live paid greater attention to his physical and mental condition? Why do you think so?

         In your opinion, should the Jackson family still seek justice for the King of Pop’s death even though Dr. Murray is already convicted? Why is that so?

Discussion B

         Why do you think some people get addicted to prescribed or illegal drugs?

         How can people prevent themselves from being addicted to bad habits?

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