Norway Requests to Rent Prison Space from Sweden

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. dramatic /drəˈmætɪk/ (adj.) – sudden and significant

Example: The stricter law enforcement led to a dramatic decrease in crime rates.      

2. shade /ʃeɪd/ (n.) – a small amount or difference, a trace

Example: The police force should work harder because this year’s crime rate is just a shade better than last year.  

3. rehabilitate /ˌrihəˈbɪlɪˌteɪt/ (v.) – to restore health or good condition

Example: Rehabilitated prisoners are less likely to commit crime again. 

4. criminology /ˌkrɪməˈnɒlədʒi/ (n.) – the study of crime, criminals and their punishments

Example: John studied criminology and became a police officer.    

5. probation /proʊˈbeɪʃən/ (n.) – court supervision of a criminal outside of prison

Example: Criminals of minor offenses are often punished with probation instead of imprisonment.     

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Norwegian Justice Minister Anders Anundsen [AH-noo n-suh n] announced last December that Norway has requested to rent prison space from Sweden. Norway no longer has space for 1,200 inmates, which authorities say is becoming a serious threat to law and order. On the other hand, Sweden has closed four of its prisons after a dramatic decline in the number of its inmates. Norway has 71 prisoners for every 100,000 of its population, just a shade above Sweden’s 67 per 100,000. The United States locks up the most people at 716 per 100,000. From a peak of 5,722 prisoners in 2004, Sweden only had 4,852 prisoners in 2012 out of a population of 9.5 million. The prison population in Sweden dropped by six percent between 2011 and 2012 and is expected to continue dropping in the future. Nils Oberg, the head of Sweden's prison services, said a reason for the drop in prison population could be the country’s efforts to rehabilitate prisoners and prevent relapse of crime. Swedish courts also started giving lighter sentences for drug offenses in 2011. In effect, there were 200 fewer people in jail for drug offenses last March compared to the previous year. On another note, Criminology professor Hanns von Hofer says the drop in prisoners is due to a recent shift in policy. Certain short jail terms are now replaced by probation. The Swedish justice ministry is still considering the proposal and is not ready to comment on it yet, said spokesperson Per Clareus. Belgium was the first country to send inmates abroad in 2010. Belgium sent 500 inmates to the Netherlands, which costs $41 million per year.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think it is appropriate to rent prison space from another country? Why or why not?

         In your opinion, what can a country do to reduce its crime rate? Please explain briefly. 

Discussion B

         Is it important to have a good relationship between different countries? Why or why not?

         How can countries maintain a good relationship with each other? Please explain briefly.

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Overfishing and the Survival of Us.

"You don't realize how interdependent species are until it all unravels."

As a writer, it's important to keep one eye on trends ~ not the latest fashions, but trends that involve our food supply or global warming or anything that potentially will impact the way we live.

Take the overfishing of sardines.  In and of themselves, who cares?

But we should care and in fact be very concerned as sardines are one of the bases upon which our world-wide food chain is built.  If sardines disappear, then so will all of the fish species that feed upon sardines.  And if harvestable fish such as cod, halibut and tuna disappear, many many of our species are going to go hungry.  Which leads stress on other food sources and migration to "greener pastures" which leads to conflict which leads to war.  You get the picture.

That's why this study by Florida State University researchers involving a major review of fisheries research that examines the domino effect that occurs when too many fish are harvested from one habitat is so important.

The loss of a major species from an ecosystem can have unintended consequences because of the connections between that species and others in the system. Moreover, these changes often occur rapidly and unexpectedly, and are difficult to reverse.

"You don't realize how interdependent species are until it all unravels," said Felicia Coleman, director of the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory and a co-author on the study.

Coleman and her co-authors, led by FSU biology professor Joe Travis, examined case studies of several distressed ecosystems that had been thoroughly changed over the years because of overfishing.

For example, in the Northern Benguela ecosystem off Namibia, stocks of sardine and anchovy collapsed in the 1970s from overfishing and were replaced by bearded goby and jellyfish. But the bearded goby and jellyfish are far less energy-rich than a sardine or anchovy, which meant that their populations were not an adequate food source for other sea animals in the region such as penguins, gannets and hake, which had fed on the sardines and anchovies. African penguins and Cape gannets have declined by 77 percent and 94 percent respectively. Cape hake and deep-water hake production plummeted from 725,000 metric tons in 1972, to 110,000 metric tons in 1990. And the population of Cape fur seals has fluctuated dramatically.

"When you put all these examples together, you realize there really is something important going on in the world's ecosystems," Travis said. "It's easy to write off one case study. But, when you string them all together as this paper does, I think you come away with a compelling case that tipping points are real, we've crossed them in many ecosystems, and we'll cross more of them unless we can get this problem under control."

Travis and Coleman and their colleagues are hoping that their research will accelerate changes in how fisheries scientists approach these ecosystem problems and how fisheries managers integrate system issues into their efforts. They hope that more effort will be devoted to understanding the key linkages among species that set up tipping points in ecosystems and that managers look for data that can show when a system might be approaching its tipping point.

"It's a lot easier to back up to avoid a tipping point before you get to it than it is to find a way to return once you've crossed it" said Travis.

Fishing experts do generally understand how overfishing affects other species and the ecosystem as a whole, but it "needs to be a bigger part of the conversation and turned into action," Coleman said.

Travis and Coleman were joined in their research by eight other scientists from University of Connecticut, University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Maine, the Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale in France.

*  *  *  *  *

Story Source: J. Travis, F. C. Coleman, P. J. Auster, P. M. Cury, J. A. Estes, J. Orensanz, C. H. Peterson, M. E. Power, R. S. Steneck, J. T. Wootton. Integrating the invisible fabric of nature into fisheries management. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013

How the Tiger Mask Movement in Japan Started

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. pioneer /ˌpaɪəˈnɪər/ (v.) – to start or to lead in the development of something

Example: A group of businessmen pioneered the yearly donation program 10 years ago.

2. advocate /ˈædvəˌkeɪt/ (v.) – to support or to publicly recommend something

Example: Churches advocate anonymous donations to avoid too much attention.

3. protagonist /proʊˈtægənɪst/ (n.) – the main character

Example: The story of the movie revolves around the protagonist.

4. alter ego /ˈɔltər ˈigoʊ/ (n.) – other personality of someone

Example: The alter ego of Superman is Clark Kent or Kal-El.

5. prevalent /ˈprɛvələnt/ (adj.) – happening in a wide range

Example: Wrestling entertainment is still prevalent even if fans know that it is scripted.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The man who pioneered the “Tiger Mask” movement in Japan revealed his past in an interview during an event in a children’s welfare facility in Adachi Ward, Tokyo. Tiger Mask is a 1970s Japanese comic story about a protagonist who fights in professional wrestling to help the children in an orphanage. Similar to this comic story, the “Tiger Mask” movement also advocates donations to orphanages. The movement began in December 2010 in which the anonymous man bought backpacks for the children in the “Christmas Village.” The bags had a message saying the gifts came from “Naoto Date” [NAW-to DA-te], the alter ego of the wrestler in the comics. The 40-year-old man, who wished to remain anonymous, has been donating in the Christmas Village for 16 years. He felt sadness for the orphans who were homeless and out of school. So, he started the movement in order to give the orphans hope by being their Santa Claus. The man’s mother died when he was three while his father rejected him. He grew up with different relatives who disrespected him. With his experiences, he promised that he would help his fellow orphans in the future. At 24, he got a job and started donating 10,000 yen monthly to the children’s facility. Through the media, The Tiger Mask movement has widely spread since 2010. The anonymous donor was thankful to the people who spread the movement, saying he was not expecting other anonymous Tiger Mask donors to become prevalent in the country.

【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 the donor donates anonymously?

         Are you in favor of anonymous donation? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         Aside from orphanages, what other facilities need donations? Why do you think so?

         What should the government do to help orphans? Please explain your answer.

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Seven Men Arrested for Football Match-fixing

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. alleged /əˈlɛdʒd, əˈlɛdʒɪd/ (adj.) – having no factual basis

Example: The athlete who is an alleged user of illegal drugs is still under investigation.

2. fix /fɪks/ (v.) – to influence an outcome in an illegal way

Example: Michael Jordan did not want to participate in fixing a game.

3. bail out /ˈbeɪlˌ aʊt/ (v.) – to use money in order to be released from jail

Example: The athlete cannot bail out from jail because the amount is too expensive.

4. charge /tʃɑrdʒ/ (n.) – an accusation about a crime

Example: The actress filed robbery charges against the athletes.

5. fraud /frɔd/ (n.) – the use of false claims to fool others and earn something

Example: People who commit fraud can be imprisoned.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested seven men for their alleged participation in match fixing incidents in English football games. Five of the seven suspects have already bailed out. On the other hand, the two remaining men are still under investigation for charges of illegal betting and influencing the outcomes of league matches. The NCA, in cooperation with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association, said these arrests may reveal more information about an international syndicate that is liable for the illegal betting activities. Asian match-fixers are reportedly involved in arranging games in lower leagues of English professional soccer. A British newspaper exposed that according to one of the offenders, the results of three matches played by a single team can be fixed for £50,000 or $81,500. The Football League, which handles lower level soccer competitions, acknowledged the news reports about the match fixing investigation. However, the league said that it has not yet discussed the issue with the NCA. Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey shared that this fraud is a very serious matter. Football authorities are specifically concerned with how match-fixing affects the integrity of the sport. Last February, European Police Office examined 680 games played worldwide that appeared to be fixed. The investigation included two European Champions League games. Recently, FIFA, the international governing body of football associations, suspended four British players for allegedly participating in match fixing incidents in the Victoria Premier League in Australia.

【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 authorities can solve this match fixing problem in football?

         How can professional soccer players help solve this problem? Please explain briefly.

Discussion B

         Why do you think some people cheat in sports?

         In your opinion, how can we maintain sport integrity?

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The Effect of Fictional Religions in Literature

'Many of the Truths That We Cling to Depend On Our Point of View.'

~ Jediism and Other Religious Movements

According to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi- 1983), 'truth' is simply a state of mind. With this in mind, is religion of any sort meaningless unless it has some personal resonance? Can religions therefore be based on fictional constructs?

Suggested Readling
Scientific Mythologies:
How Science and Science Fiction
Forge New Religious Beliefs

In 'Fiction-based religion: Conceptualising a new category against history-based religion and fandom' published in Culture and Religion, Markus Altena Davidsen explores new religious movements inspired by popular fiction such as Star Wars-based Jediism and the Tolkien-inspired Elven community. He seeks to ask whether fiction-based religions should be accepted as conventional religions or dismissed as mere fandom.

Davidsen compares the opinions of Jean Baudrillard and Adam Possami concerning 'hyper-real religions' in order to explore what it says about contemporary religion that many believers are now more comfortable basing their religious activity on fiction rather than on conventional and 'historical' religious narratives.

This article is a fascinating insight into the significance of invented religions in everyday reality.  To read the abstract or download the complete report of the study, click here:

• Fiction-based religion: Conceptualising a new category against history-based religion and fandom

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Story Source:  Markus Altena Davidsen. Fiction-based religion: Conceptualising a new category against history-based religion and fandom. Culture and Religion, 2013

Newsweek Revives its Printed Edition

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. facilitate /fəˈsɪlɪˌteɪt/ (v.) – to make a process easier

Example: The editor’s detailed plans facilitated the work in his team.     

2. investigative /ɪnˈvɛstɪgətɪv/ (adj.) – in-depth, supported by extensive research

Example: The investigative journalist conducted a lot of interviews for his documentary. 

3. premium /ˈprimiəm/ (adj.) – of high value or superior quality

Example: Great effort is involved in making premium magazines.

4. reversion /rɪˈvɜrʒən, -ʃən/ (n.) – a return to a previous state

Example: The company’s reversion to typewriters is a big adjustment for its writers.   

5. have a shot at /hæv eɪ ʃɒt æt/ (idiom) – to have a chance, to make an attempt

Example: A well-written article has a good shot at being published.    

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Newsweek, currently a news website, will revive its printed edition a year after it ended. Newsweek ended its printed edition in December 2012 due to a decline in sales. In the early 1990s, Newsweek had 3.3 million readers. This number steadily decreased and in 2010, having only 1.5 million readers.  A string of ownership changes also caused the end of Newsweek’s printed edition. Also in 2010, billionaire Sidney Harman bought Newsweek.  It was again sold in August 2013 and is currently owned by IBT Media. IBT Media chief executive Etienne Uzac said the company will restart the printed edition in 2014. The printed edition will be an extension of the news magazine's current online format. To facilitate this change, the company recently hired editor-in-chief Jim Impoco. Impoco continues to put up a team who will do investigative reporting. He said the team aims to produce a premium product that can pay for itself with subscription fees. The company expects a circulation of around 100,000. Newsweek's reversion to print goes against the trend of shifting to digital formats. Despite this trend, Ken Paulson, former editor-in-chief of USA Today, said that Newsweek's printed edition has a shot at succeeding. Paulson said that print is still a very convenient way to obtain information. It has no viruses, pop-up ads and it does not require electricity to work. Paulson also pointed out that Newsweek has a good history and is still respected by the people. Even if the audience is narrower, Paulson says there will still be a market for sophisticated reporting.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you agree with Newsweek’s decision to revive its printed edition? Why or why not?

         Which do you prefer: printed newspapers or digital ones? Please explain briefly.

Discussion B

         Why is reporting the news important?

         How else can people become more aware and updated about current events?

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How the Novels You Write May Actually Change the Biology of Your Reader's Brain

“We already knew that good stories can put you in someone else’s shoes in a figurative sense. Now we’re seeing that something may also be happening biologically."  ~ Gregory Berns

Many people can recall reading at least one cherished story that they say changed their life. Now researchers at Emory University have detected what may be biological traces related to this feeling: Actual changes in the brain that linger, at least for a few days, after reading a novel.,

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Some of the books making an impact on me:  

Huck Finn, Catch 22, Farenheit 451, The Caine Mutiny.  

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Their findings, that reading a novel may cause changes in resting-state connectivity of the brain that persist, were published by the journal Brain Connectivity.

"Stories shape our lives and in some cases help define a person," says neuroscientist Gregory Berns, lead author of the study and the director of Emory's Center for Neuropolicy. "We want to understand how stories get into your brain, and what they do to it."

His co-authors included Kristina Blaine and Brandon Pye from the Center for Neuropolicy, and Michael Prietula, professor of information systems and operations management at Emory's Goizueta Business School.

Neurobiological research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has begun to identify brain networks associated with reading stories. Most previous studies have focused on the cognitive processes involved in short stories, while subjects are actually reading them as they are in the fMRI scanner.

The Emory study focused on the lingering neural effects of reading a narrative. Twenty-one Emory undergraduates participated in the experiment, which was conducted over 19 consecutive days.

Suggested Reading
Click on image

All of the study subjects read the same novel, "Pompeii," a 2003 thriller by Robert Harris that is based on the real-life eruption of Mount Vesuvius in ancient Italy. "The story follows a protagonist, who is outside the city of Pompeii and notices steam and strange things happening around the volcano," Berns says. "He tries to get back to Pompeii in time to save the woman he loves. Meanwhile, the volcano continues to bubble and nobody in the city recognizes the signs."

The researchers chose the book due to its page-turning plot. "It depicts true events in a fictional and dramatic way," Berns says. "It was important to us that the book had a strong narrative line."

For the first five days, the participants came in each morning for a base-line fMRI scan of their brains in a resting state. Then they were given nine sections of the novel, about 30 pages each, over a nine-day period. They were asked to read the assigned section in the evening, and come in the following morning. After taking a quiz to ensure they had finished the assigned reading, the participants underwent an fMRI scan of their brain in a non-reading, resting state. After completing all nine sections of the novel, the participants returned for five more mornings to undergo additional scans in a resting state.

The results showed heightened connectivity in the left temporal cortex, an area of the brain associated with receptivity for language, on the mornings following the reading assignments. "Even though the participants were not actually reading the novel while they were in the scanner, they retained this heightened connectivity," Berns says. "We call that a 'shadow activity,' almost like a muscle memory."

Heightened connectivity was also seen in the central sulcus of the brain, the primary sensory motor region of the brain. Neurons of this region have been associated with making representations of sensation for the body, a phenomenon known as grounded cognition. Just thinking about running, for instance, can activate the neurons associated with the physical act of running.

"The neural changes that we found associated with physical sensation and movement systems suggest that reading a novel can transport you into the body of the protagonist," Berns says. "We already knew that good stories can put you in someone else's shoes in a figurative sense. Now we're seeing that something may also be happening biologically."

The neural changes were not just immediate reactions, Berns says, since they persisted the morning after the readings, and for the five days after the participants completed the novel.

"It remains an open question how long these neural changes might last," Berns says. "But the fact that we're detecting them over a few days for a randomly assigned novel suggests that your favorite novels could certainly have a bigger and longer-lasting effect on the biology of your brain."

*  *  *  *  *

Story Source:  Gregory S. Berns, Kristina Blaine, Michael J. Prietula, Brandon E. Pye. Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Novel on Connectivity in the Brain. Brain Connectivity, 2013