Mother Turns Sick Kids to Superheroes

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. advocacy [AD-vuh-kuh-see] (n.) – the act of promoting an idea or a cause

Example: One of the charity’s advocacies is helping sick children experience a normal life.

2. cape [keyp] (n.) – a sleeveless clothing worn around the neck and falls over the shoulders

Example: Superheroes such as Superman and Batman wear capes.

3. nominate [NOM-uh-neyt] (v.) – to suggest a person for a title or position

Example: After the meeting, the committee nominated members for the “Best Volunteer” award.

4. symbolize [SIM-buh-lahyz] (v.) – to represent or signify another object, person, or idea

Example: Most people use doves to symbolize peace.

5. establish [ih-STAB-lish] (v.) – to make something permanent; to secure

Example: The organization aims to establish its contact with other organizations.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A 28-year-old mother from Seattle, Washington has started an advocacy to empower children with illnesses and disabilities through the use of superhero capes. Robyn Rosenberger has initiated the Tiny Superheroes movement in order to make people more aware of the stories of children suffering from diseases and disabilities. Tiny Superheroes began when Rosenberger made a cape for Brenna, a baby girl with an inborn skin disease. After featuring Brenna’s story to Rosenberger’s blog, many people have started nominating potential tiny superheroes. Among the children who received capes from Rosenberger is “Super Anthony,” a child with heart and muscle problems. Tiny Superheroes also gave “Super KE” a cape, which he wears even at the hospital. Other kids named as Tiny Superheroes are “Super Mabel” and “Super Andrew.” Rosenberger chose to use a cape because it symbolizes the strength that each sick child has. She added that the capes make the children and their families realize how strong the kids are to be able to face such illnesses at a very young age. With every cape is a letter handwritten by Rosenberger herself. Today, Rosenberger receives 10 to 20 nominations a day. To accommodate all requests, she left her job and asked friends for help. She has already made capes to 700 children from 45 US states and 11 countries. According to Rosenberger, promoting awareness may result in increased funding, which can then lead to more research about the cures of diseases. With more people recognizing this movement, Rosenberger aims to establish a connection with children’s hospitals and to build a Tiny Superheroes center to be able to inspire more sick children.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think the capes of Tiny Superheroes really help empower kids with diseases and disabilities? Why is that so?

         How else do you think can people help empower children with illnesses and disabilities?

Discussion B

         How do you think the support from family members and relatives help children suffering from diseases?

         How can the government help very young kids with sickness and disability?

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Travelling without a Passport: Is it Possible?

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. persecution [pur-si-KYOO-shuh n] (n.) – a cruel or unfair treatment of a person or a group, especially because of their race, religion, or political beliefs

Example: James and his family left their home country to escape persecution.

2. issue [ISH-oo] (v.) – to give something in an official manner

Example: The government issues special passports to diplomats and top officials.

3. in lieu of [in LOO ov] (idiom) – instead of or in place of something

Example:  In lieu of travelling abroad, Maria decided to travel within the country to save money.

4. certification [sur-tuh-fi-KEY-shuh n, ser-tif-uh-] (n.) – a document confirming the truth of a particular event or statement

Example: When applying for a passport, a person needs to present certifications to prove his identity.

5. cross borders [kraws BAWR-ders, kros] (v. phrase) – to travel from one territory to another

Example: Usually, a person with no valid passport is not allowed to cross borders.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Although a passport is a necessary document for international travel, a person can still travel without it under some special circumstances. Countries such as the US, the UK and Canada allow some people to enter the country even without a passport. These countries issue travel documents in lieu of a passport. However, specific requirements still need to be met in order to receive the travel documents. First, a person with refugee status can travel without a passport. According to the United Nations, more than seven million people became refugees in 2012 as they tried to escape persecution or fighting in their home countries. Nonetheless, refugees are sometimes expected to present other forms of identification before they are accepted into another country, says Larry Yungk, a UNHCR resettlement officer. Second, a person can travel without a passport if his or her passport got lost or stolen while travelling abroad. Simon Calder, travel editor of Independent newspaper, says that because waiting for a new passport can take days, a person can instead get a certification from his or her country's consulate. The certification would allow the said person to take a one-way flight to his or her destination. In addition, special relationships between countries allow their citizens to travel without a passport. For example, US citizens need only an approved photo ID to travel to US territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico. In Europe, the citizens of 26 countries included in the Schengen area can freely cross borders. The British Queen, who officially issues passports in the UK, is also exempted from having one.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         In your opinion, what are the disadvantages of not needing passports when travelling to other countries?

         Do you think there is a better system than carrying passports every time we travel? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         What do you think are some difficulties that tourists face when travelling abroad? Please briefly explain.

         How do you think can these difficulties be addressed?

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Navigating Road Trips Made Easier

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. navigation [nav-i-GEY-shuh n] (n.) – the process of getting directions while travelling

Example:  Experienced travellers are good at navigation.

2. inconvenience [in-kuh n-VEEN-yuh ns] (n.) – the state of having problems or difficulty

Example: Having no map while travelling in a foreign place is a major inconvenience.

3. smartphone [SMAHRT-fohn] (n.) – a cell phone with internet access and other computer functions

Example: Anna uses her smartphone for downloading and uploading files.

4. available [uh-vey-luh-buh l] (adj.) – can be readily used

Example: The products displayed outside the counter are available for purchase.

5. complementary [kom-pluh-MEN-tuh-ree, -tree] (adj.) – used to work together with another object

Example: MP3 players and earphones are complementary devices.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A navigation specialist called Garmin has launched a new device that shows directions right on the car’s windshield. Garmin developed the new head-up display (HUD) to get rid of the inconveniences caused by the smartphone’s GPS. With GPS, drivers often experience problems due to its soft sounded instructions and the hassle of plugging the device into the car. The Garmin HUD is a small, rectangular wireless device that is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It displays navigation directly on the windshield of the car. Because of this feature, the driver does not have to look away from the road to check the information for directions. Johan Broer, a media specialist from Garmin, told ABC News about the convenience and safety that the HUD can bring. According to Broer, using the device can be less distracting for drivers since it requires less time to look at the information needed for the navigation. Although the device has its good features, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not yet authorized Garmin to sell the new HUD. However, Broer assures that the company is following a standard procedure for all its devices. Once the FCC approves HUD’s release, the device will be available for an affordable price of $129.99; HUD installation normally costs thousands of dollars. However, customers must also pay for the installment of the Navigon or Garmin StreetPilot apps on their smartphones. Installing the complementary app may cost an additional $29.99 to $59.99, depending on the regions where the device will be used.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Given the chance, would you use the HUD developed by Garmin? Why or why not?

         Do you agree that using such device is safe? Why do you say so?

Discussion B

         How can people prevent themselves from getting distracted while driving?

         How can people ensure their safety while driving?

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Audience Attendance Drops in U.S. Live Sporting Events

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. half-off [haf awf, of] (adj.) – half the original price

Example: Being on a tight budget, David was very glad when his friend offered him a half-off baseball ticket.

2. entice [en-TAHYS] (v.) – to attract by offering something appealing or interesting

Example: The sports bar offered discounted food and drinks every game night in order to entice customers.

3. take on [teyk on] (phrasal verb) – to deal with something, especially a duty or responsibility

Example: The basketball team took on the task of raising funds for the gym repairs.

4. hassle [HAS-uh l] (n.) – something that causes trouble or inconvenience

Example: Michael thinks driving to the sports stadium would be a hassle so he just watched the game on TV.

5. overload [OH-ver-lohd] (n.) – an excessive amount of something

Example: Memorizing the rules of all sports may cause an information overload.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Attendance in live sporting events in the US has significantly dropped in the last five years. All major professional sports except hockey are now facing challenges in filling up stadiums and arenas. In Major League Baseball, attendance has decreased by more than 400,000 people compared with last year. The New York Yankees, one of the most popular teams in the League, are down by 2,500 fans per game and have resorted to selling half-off tickets. Similarly, the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association sells only an average of over 13,000 tickets per home game in their 21,000-seat arena. To entice fans, the Phoenix [FEE-niks] Suns is giving a money-back guarantee so fans can get a refund if they were unsatisfied with the team's performance. The National Football League game attendance has also been declining in the past four years but has slightly increased this year. However, the bleachers were half-empty in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing auto race in March. According to Lee Igel, a professor of sports management at New York University, several factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, people do not want to take on the high cost of going to live games. The decreasing attendance could also be due to the hassle of bad weather, traffic, and parking. Finally, people might prefer to watch the game on a big screen in the comfort of their own homes. To attract fans, stadiums are building mini-theme parks and offering a wider selection of food. However, Igel says doing so might seem like an overload to fans who just want to relax and enjoy the game.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Among the different strategies mentioned in the article, which one do you think is most effective in getting fans to attend sports events? Why?

         What do you think are the consequences of low attendance in live sporting events? Please explain your answer.

                                                                                                                                      

Discussion B

         What do you think makes something (e.g. idea, object, etc.) popular? Please explain to your tutor.

         If something is unpopular (a book, movie, etc.), does that automatically mean it has a bad quality? Why do you say so?

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Singing Together Synchronizes Heartbeats

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. synchronize [SING-kruh-nahyz]  (v.) – to move or to happen at exactly the same time

Example: The singer and her back-up performers synchronized in the song’s chorus.

           

2. coordination [koh-awr-dn-EY-shuh n] (n.) – the act of working well together

Example: The concert producer maintains contact with the staff to assure coordination.

3. counterpoint [KOUN-ter-point] (n.) – (in music) the combination of two different melodies in harmony

Example: The piano and the violin are played in counterpoint.

4. chant [chant, chahnt] (v.) – to say or sing words or phrases many times using a rhythm

Example: The audience chanted and cheered as the school choir went up the stage.

5. mantra [MAN-truh, MAHN-, MUHN-] (n.) – a phrase or word that is repeated, often reflects someone’s beliefs

Example: The aspiring singer made “I will be a famous singer” his mantra to boost his confidence.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent study by Swedish researchers has revealed that the singers’ heartbeats synchronize as they sing at the same time. Neuroscientist Bjorn Vickhoff, a former singer-songwriter, led the project. The researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden measured and monitored the pulse rates of choir members as they sang different songs all at once. The group found that the heart rate and the singers' breath sped up and slowed down in coordination. This result meant that the speed of the heartbeats also change in unison as the singers sing together. Vickhoff also said that the choir members’ heart rates go down as they sing a phrase. However, when they inhale in between phrases, their heart rates rise. According to Vickhoff, the heartbeats are not the only thing synchronizing when people sing together. Every time the choir members synchronize the melody, text, and rhythm in a song, a counterpoint internally happens in the body. A previous research also found that the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve associated with heart rate and breathing, synchronizes when singing. The singers’ mood, which is affected by the calming effect of regulated breathing, may also harmonize. Thus, singing together is collaborative not only on the physical level but on an emotional level as well. These results may be the reasons why most religions perform acts of worship that involve synchronized breathings through chanting mantras, singing, and doing group prayers. These ritual actions may thus help bring people closer both in mind and in body.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think having a synchronized heartbeat may help the choir sing and perform better? Please explain your answer.

         In your opinion, can synchronicity promote team spirit among singers or musicians? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Do you think that singing in unison can really bring a group closer? Why or why not?

         Do you think being emotionally connected to a song can help a person deliver good music? Why or why not?

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