At 10, Facebook Remains the Biggest Social Networking Site

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. disapprove /ˌdɪsəˈpruv/ (v.) – to reject or dislike something

Example: My mother disapproves of sharing family information on social networking sites.

2. turn off /tɜrn ɒf/ (phrasal v.) – to displease or discourage a person

Example: His friend’s rude comments on the photo he posted turned Lance off.

3. primary /ˈpraɪmɛri, -məri/ (adj.) – has the major or highest importance

Example: The primary reason why people use social networking sites is the opportunity to connect to so many people for free. 

4. at once /æt wʌns/ (adv.) – simultaneously; at the same time

Example: Facebook allows people to share photos and videos to many people at once.

5. dominant /ˈdɒmənənt/ (adj.) – leading or most successful

Example: The company is the most dominant when it comes to research and development.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Survey revealed that Facebook remains to be the leader of social networking sites 10 years after it was developed. Although some people seem to disapprove many things about Facebook, it appears that these things do not stop people from using the social networking site. This claim is proven by Facebook’s more than 1.2 billion subscribers worldwide. To find out people’s attitude towards Facebook, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey as the social network celebrates its 10th anniversary. The results of the survey showed that more than 50% of American Facebook users are turned off by the idea that people share too much information about themselves. About 36% felt strongly against the idea, while 25% said they simply dislike it. Similarly, 36% of the users disliked the idea that their pictures are posted without their permission. Three in four people also objected to posting pictures of their children without consent. On a positive note, 47% of Facebook users said they appreciate the pictures and videos posted by friends, which is the primary reason why they use Facebook. Another 46% expressed that one outstanding feature of the network is allowing users to share photos and videos to many people at once. Half of all the Facebook users who participated in the survey said that they have more than 200 friends while those in the 18-29 age bracket have more than 500 friends. Another study conducted by Pew in 2013 found that 71% of Americans who use the Internet were Facebook users, making it the most dominant social networking site. Also, 52% of non-Facebook users had someone in their household who used the social networking site.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What do you think are the other reasons why Facebook is still the biggest social networking site? 

         What can be the disadvantages of using Facebook? Explain.

Discussion B

         How would you feel if your friends posted photos and videos of you without your consent? Explain.

         Do you approve of sharing too much information on the Internet? Why or why not?

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America's First 'Melting Pot' -- 1,000 Years Ago

Source: ngm.nationalgeographic.com

I enjoy well-researched historical fiction, especially when it provides an education about the times atop an interesting story, well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists.

Today's post is about Cahokia, a city of 20,000 native Americans now known to be from diverse cultures, always fertile ground for fiction.  While several authors have stories bases on this ancient city, this research opens the doors for conflict of the sort that creates story.  

Any takers?  I would love to read something based on this urban city of a thousand years ago.

Native American City on the Mississippi

Was America's First 'Melting pot'

Suggested Reading
Click on image

New evidence establishes that Cahokia, a sprawling, pre-Columbian city situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, hosted a sizable population of immigrants.

Cahokia was an early experiment in urban life, said Thomas Emerson, who led the new analysis. Emerson is Illinois state archaeologist and the director of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey at the University of Illinois.

Researchers have traditionally thought of Cahokia as a relatively homogeneous and stable population drawn from the immediate area, he said. "But increasingly archaeologists are realizing that Cahokia at AD 1100 was very likely an urban center with as many as 20,000 inhabitants," he said. "Such early centers around the world grow by immigration, not by birthrate."

*  *  *  *  *

Related research:

• Black drink: Evidence of ritual use of caffeinated brew at Cahokia
• How prehistoric Native Americans of Cahokia made copper artifacts
• Cahokia ~ National Geographic article with pictures and maps

*  *  *  *  *

The new analysis, reported in the Journal of Archaeological Research, tested the chemical composition of 133 teeth from 87 people buried at Cahokia during its heyday. The researchers looked specifically at strontium isotope ratios in the teeth and in the remains of small mammals from the same area.

"Strontium isotope ratios in rock, soil, groundwater and vegetation vary according to the underlying geology of a region," the researchers wrote. "As an animal eats and drinks, the local strontium isotope composition of the water, plants and animals consumed is recorded in its skeletal tissues." Strontium signatures may not be unique to a location, Emerson said, but the ratios in a person's teeth can be compared to those of plants and animals in the immediate environment.

"Teeth retain the isotopic signature of an individual's diet at various periods of life depending on the tooth type sampled, ranging from in utero to approximately 16 years of age," the researchers wrote. The strontium signature in the teeth can be compared to that of their place of burial, to determine whether the person lived only in that vicinity. Early teeth and later teeth may have different strontium signatures, an indication that the person immigrated.

By analyzing the teeth of those buried in different locations in Cahokia, Emerson, state archaeological survey bioarchaeologist Kristin Hedman and graduate student Philip Slater discovered that immigrants formed one-third of the population of the city throughout its history (from about AD 1050 through the early 1300s).

"This indicates that Cahokia as a political, social and religious center was extremely fluid and dynamic, with a constantly fluctuating composition," Emerson said. The findings contradict traditional anthropological models of Cahokian society that are built on analogies with 19th-century Native American groups, Emerson said.

"Cahokia, because it was multiethnic and perhaps even multilingual, must have been a virtual 'melting pot' that fostered new ways of living, new political and social patterns and perhaps even new religious beliefs," he said.  

*  *  *  *  *

Story Source:  Materials provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Philip A. Slater, Kristin M. Hedman, Thomas E. Emerson. Immigrants at the Mississippian polity of Cahokia: strontium isotope evidence for population movement. Journal of Archaeological Science, 2014

Apple Owes 32M USD to Parents for Allowing Kids’ Unauthorized Purchases

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. reimburse /ˌriɪmˈbɜrs/ (v.) – to give back the exact amount of money that a person has spent or paid

Example: The store will reimburse the customers for defective items.

2. owe /oʊ/ (v.) – to be required to pay

Example: The customer owes one dollar to the store.

3. consent /kənˈsɛnt/ (n.) – permission or approval to do something

Example: Downloading mobile apps requires the users’ consent.

4. complaint /kəmˈpleɪnt/ (n.) – a statement of disapproval or dissatisfaction

Example: The store received various complaints about the faulty product.

5. decree /dɪˈkri/ (n.) – an official decision or order from the authorities

Example: The company followed the decree sent by the government agency.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Apple Inc. is required to reimburse customers whose kids were able to purchase apps even without parental consent. Apple owes at least $32.5 million to the said consumers. According to the FTC, Apple provided weak security in approving in-app purchases, which led to unauthorized downloads by children. When a parent enters his or her password to authorize the download of an app, the next purchases will not require a password for 15 minutes. Because of this, the FTC received numerous complaints from Apple users. A mother reported that her child shopped $2,600 worth of items in the Tap Pet Hotel app. This purchase was charged directly from the account holder’s credit card. Most children’s games can be downloaded for free. But while playing, the app may require other purchases for users to fully enjoy the game. A store item can cost from 99 cents to $99.99.    Apple agreed with the customers’ sentiments and accepted the decree imposed by the FTC. The company said the issue of refund is being addressed since last year. An FTC commissioner said Apple did the adjustments in response to the complaints. However, the company still failed to inform users about the 15-minute period in which unrestricted purchases can be done. Also, the FTC noted that the App Store’s billing information should be more user-friendly and fair to consumers. Before March 31, 2014, Apple needs to notify users that refunds are open to those who made accidental purchases. If the total repayments do not reach $32.5 million, Apple will have to give the remaining amount to the FTC.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Should the accidental purchases be blamed only on Apple? Why or why not?

         How do you think this issue will affect Apple and its apps? Kindly discuss.

Discussion B

         How does technology affect kids?

         How can we encourage kids to become less attached to technology? Kindly explain.

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Google Glass Redesigned

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. prescription /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/ (n.) – advice or suggestion by a medical expert; often about medicine or laboratory tests

Example: The doctor’s prescription should be followed properly.

2. insurance /ɪnˈʃʊərəns, -ˈʃɜr-/ (n.) – agreement to pay a company in exchange of benefits

Example: It is important to have health insurance in case of emergencies.

3. trial period /ˈtraɪəl ˈpɪəriəd/ (noun phrase) – a time during which something is tested

Example: The device will undergo a trial period before its release.

4. geeky /giki/ (adj.) – looks unfashionable or too intellectual

Example: The man’s big eyeglasses made him look geeky.

5. hinder /ˈhɪndər/ (v.) – to prevent or delay something

Example: A power shortage hindered the device’s launching event.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Google’s hands-free device called Google Glass will now cater to consumers with eyeglass prescription. Google, in partnership with insurance company called VSP Vision Care, will design new glass models compatible with corrective lenses. Customers have long asked about the possibility of prescription lenses for Google Glass to make the gadget more practical. Google Glass works by connecting to the Internet from Wi-Fi hotspots. Users may take pictures, record videos, and use apps by touching a part of the frame. The device is still in the trial period wherein developers and selected consumers test the product. Glass testers can soon try the new frames and Google expects a wider consumer launch later in 2014. Initially, Google designers have released four new frames called Bold, Curve, Thin, and Split. The frames for the new version cost $225 while the Google Glass is worth $1,500. To lessen the cost, VSP agreed to shoulder some of the cost through its insurance program. In the improvement of Google Glass, style plays a key factor. An analyst believes that the new model will appeal to more consumers because its design is more stylish than the original’s geeky look. The new frame also makes the device less emphasized. However, Google still faces privacy issues from users because the device can record whatever is viewed in it. Also, the gadget’s high price can still hinder buyers even if there is an insurance option.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What makes Google Glass an interesting product?

         In your opinion, how will this device sell in your country?

Discussion B

         What are the dangers of too much dependence on Internet technology?

         How can people lessen the unhealthy use of the Internet?

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Swimming Legend Ian Thorpe Battles Depression

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. disoriented /dɪsˈɔriˌɛntɪd, -ˈoʊr-/ (adj.) – unaware or confused

Example: The disoriented driver got lost.

2. propel /prəˈpɛl/ (v.) – to cause to go forward or be motivated

Example: Ian’s hard work propelled him to be a successful athlete.

3. rehabilitation /ˌrihəˈbɪlɪˌteɪʃən/ (n.) – restoring someone’s good health

Example: His alcoholic father was sent to a clinic for rehabilitation.

4. comeback /ˈkʌmˌbæk/ (n.) – a return to a previously successful situation

Example: Michael Jordan won another three championships in his comeback from retirement.

5. narrow /ˈnæroʊ/ (v.) – to limit something or decrease possibility

Example: The injury of several players narrowed their chances of winning.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The police recently questioned Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe [EE-uh n-thawrp] after he was found disoriented in Switzerland. The police said Thorpe allegedly tried to get into someone else’s car in a residence near his parents’ home in Sydney, Australia. The car’s owner initially reported the unidentified man to the police; authorities later found out that the suspect was the 31-year-old famous swimming athlete. Dubbed as “Thorpedo” [thawr-PEE-doh], Thorpe won numerous gold medals that propelled his way to success. He had many achievements in the Olympics and World Championships and dominated the sport for six years before retiring in November 2006. However, the joy from his impressive career did not carry over in his life after swimming. Thorpe shared in his autobiography published last year that he has been battling depression for most of his life. Thorpe’s manager said that the antidepressants and painkillers caused the said car incident. Though no alcohol was found in Thorpe’s system, the police reportedly required the swimmer to undergo rehabilitation for his depression. No further complaints followed as Thorpe explained that he was unaware of his act and thought he went inside his friend’s car. Instead of undergoing rehabilitation, Thorpe’s manager claimed that the athlete was hospitalized because of an injured shoulder. The manager denied the real reason for Thorpe’s rehabilitation so as not to add more burden to the swimmer’s life. Thorpe’s friends said the athlete struggled to adjust his life after retirement. Thorpe attempted a comeback in 2012 by joining the London Olympics, but he was unsuccessful. An injury narrowed his chances of competing in the future. Thorpe currently lives in Switzerland but he has stayed with his parents in Sydney since Christmas.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think Ian Thorpe can still continue his swimming career? Why or why not?

         How do you think Thorpe can recover from his current situation? Kindly explain.

Discussion B

         Why do you think some successful people still struggle in their lives?

         In what ways can someone cope with retirement? Please explain.

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Smartphone App that Can Effectively Wake You Up

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. sleepyhead /ˈslipiˌhɛd/ (n.) – a person who loves to sleep

Example: My mother scolded my brother for being a sleepyhead.

2. hush /hʌʃ/ (v.) – to stop making noise or be silent

Example: The baby hushed when the parents fell asleep.

3. cheat /tʃit/ (v.) – to be dishonest or to violate a rule

Example: Hank cheated on his sleeping and eating routines.

4. devise /dɪˈvaɪz/ (v.) – to think something carefully as a plan

Example: The parents devised a way to make their children sleep early.

5. review /rɪˈvyu/ (n.) – opinion and evaluation on something

Example: The application had positive reviews, so I bought it.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Sleepyheads can now solve their problems of waking up with the new smartphone application called “Alarmy (Sleep If U Can).” Delight Room Company from South Korea created this unique alarm clock app. This program can force the user to get off the bed to stop the alarm. Several websites like Cnet [see-net], Gizmodo [giz-moh-do], and Huffington Post commended the product’s effectiveness. The app works by letting the user take photos of specific locations in the house. The user will set the alarm time and choose one photo. Once the alarm goes on, the person can only turn it off by taking a shot of the photo chosen earlier. The phone hushes if the captured picture is correct. For example, if the user chose the bathroom toilet as the alarm photo, he needs to go to the bathroom and take a photo of that toilet to stop the alarm. While the idea seems effective, other users can still cheat on their phones. Some people can just select their room ceiling so they can stop the alarm without getting off their beds. For users who seriously want to wake up early, they can devise various methods of how they want to start their day. Most users prefer pictures from bathroom and kitchen. The app’s founders received many good reviews for their creation and got surprised with the users’ comments. Most of the people said that Alarmy is the only alarm clock that really makes them get out of bed. Alarmy can be downloaded worldwide from Apple’s App Store for $0.99.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Will this alarm clock work for you? Why or why not?

         If you can design a smartphone app, what would it be like?

Discussion B

         What app in your mobile phone is most useful to you?

         What are the disadvantages of having too many smartphone apps?

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