Smartphone App Lets Users Text While Walking

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. avid [AV-id] (adj.) – having great desire to do something

Example: The avid gamer downloaded many mobile games on his phone.

2. on the go [ON-th uh-go] (idiom) – busy and frequently moves from one place to another

Example: Most reporters are always on the go.

3. peripheral [puh-RIF-er-uh l] (adj.) – refers to the area seen at the side of what one is looking at

Example: He saw his dog run away through his peripheral vision.

4. rear [reer] (n.) – back part of something

Example: My cellphone fell and now its rear is broken.

5. pose [pohz] (v.) – to cause something

Example: Texting while driving poses risk of accidents.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Avid texters can now use their mobile phones while walking using a new app called “Type n Walk”. CGactive LLC designed this new Apple application which allows users to see the street in front of them while typing a text message. This is made especially for phone users who are always on the go and cannot stay put to compose their messages. The program uses the rear camera of the gadget (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) to give the message a transparent background. The user can then write messages that can be sent as an SMS, email, Facebook or Twitter post, or be copied and pasted elsewhere. Type n Walk costs $0.99 and can be downloaded on the App Store. Based from a previous study by the University of Queensland, texting while walking poses risks to an individual. The Australian researchers monitored 26 young men and women as they walked three times on a 30 feet straight path. The first walk was done without a phone. Participants read the text messages during the second walk. For the third walk, they composed a message. Results showed that the participants’ walking manner and posture greatly changed from the first walk to the third. The researchers also found that focusing too much on the phone leads to a robot-like posture that affects body balance. They also added that texting can make people fail to consciously control their walking direction. With “Text n Walk”, makers claim that this app is beneficial. The transparent phone background and a person’s peripheral vision will give enough support to avoid text-walking accidents.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Will you recommend the use of this app? Why or why not?

         In what other ways can this app be useful?

Discussion B

         How has texting affected the way people communicate? Kindly discuss further.

         What do you think will be the future improvements of distant communication?

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Vikings, The Icelandic Sagas and Tolkein

Credit: © pemabild / Fotolia

Replica of Viking ship. Academics have uncovered complex social networks

within age-old Icelandic sagas, which challenge the stereotypical image of 

Vikings as unworldly, violent savages.

Vikings were probably more social than savage.

Academics have uncovered complex social networks within age-old Icelandic sagas, which challenge the stereotypical image of Vikings as unworldly, violent savages.

Pádraig Mac Carron and Ralph Kenna from the University's Applied Mathematics Research Centre have carried out a detailed analysis of the relationships described in ancient Icelandic manuscripts to shed new light on Viking society.

How Vikings Lived
Recommended reading
click on image

In a study published in the European Physical Journal, Mac Carron and Kenna have asked whether remnants of reality could lurk within the pages of the documents in which Viking sagas were preserved.

They applied methods from statistical physics to social networks -- in which nodes (connection points) represent individuals and links represent interactions between them -- to home in on the relationships between the characters and societies depicted therein.

The academics used the Sagas of Icelanders -- a unique corpus of medieval literature from the period around the settlement of Iceland a thousand years ago -- as the basis for their investigation.

Fictionalized distortions of real societies
Although the historicity of these tales is often questioned, some believe they may contain fictionalized distortions of real societies, and Mac Carron's and Kenna's research bolsters this hypothesis.

They mapped out the interactions between over 1,500 characters that appear in 18 sagas including five particularly famous epic tales. Their analyses show, for example, that although an 'outlaw tale' has similar properties to other European heroic epics, and the 'family sagas' of Icelandic literature are quite distinct, the overall network of saga society is consistent with real social networks.

Moreover, although it is acknowledged that J. R. R. Tolkien was strongly influenced by Nordic literature, the Viking sagas have a different network structure to the Lord of the Rings and other works of fiction.

Icelandic Sagas Source Documents:  The Icelandic Sagas & More

Professor Ralph Kenna from Coventry University's Applied Mathematics Research Centre said: "This quantitative investigation is very different to traditional approaches to comparative studies of ancient texts, which focus on qualitative aspects. Rather than individuals and events, the new approach looks at interactions and reveals new insights -- that the Icelandic sagas have similar properties to those of real-world social networks.

*  *  *  *  *

Related story:

Vikings and superheroes: How inter-connected characters may reveal the reality behind the stories
The Icelandic sagas of the Norse people are thousand-year-old chronicles of brave deeds and timeless romances, but how true to Viking life were they? Researchers used a statistical network of associations between characters to find out. (Continue)

*  *  *  *  *

Story Source: Materials provided by Coventry University. P. Mac Carron, R. Kenna. Network analysis of the Íslendinga sögur – the Sagas of Icelanders. The European Physical Journal B, 2013

British Coin from 16th Century Found in Canada

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. end up [end uhp] (v. phrase) – to arrive or be placed somewhere

Example: The coin I lost ended up in the trash can.

2. hearsay [HEER-say] (n.) – unproven information that a person heard from another person

Example: Historical experts do not believe in any hearsay unless there is enough evidence.

3. dispute [dih-SPYOOT] (n.) – an argument or conflict over something

Example: The parties involved are open to settle their dispute.

4. indigenous [in-DIJ-uh-nuh s] (adj.) – living or naturally originating in a specific area

Example:  Some indigenous groups in Asia were from the Malay race.

5. anecdote [AN-ik-doht] (n.) – short and interesting story about a real or fictional event

Example: The speaker told funny jokes and anecdotes to capture the audience’s attention.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A former security technician’s discovery of a 16th century British coin may change Canada’s history. With a handheld metal detector, Bruce Campbell found the coin called “shilling” [SHIL-ing] in the shores of Vancouver [van-KOO-ver] Island last December 2013. The coin is said to have been made in 1550s. Historians estimate that this coin ended up in Canada’s Pacific Coast in 1579 during a British exploration to California. Aside from the shilling, Campbell also found an 1891 Canadian coin, a 1960s dime, and a 1900s penny. According to historical records, Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the Canadian province called British Columbia in 1774. The British Royal Navy arrived in the area only four years after the Spanish explorers. However, some historians argue that in the 1579 British exploration, Sir Francis Drake already reached the said province. According to hearsays, Queen Elizabeth I ordered Drake to hide this story to avoid territorial dispute with Spain. Book author Samuel Bawlf [bawlf] said that Campbell’s discovery may prove that the British were the first to land in British Columbia. Bawlf said that Drake might have given some shilling coins to the indigenous people in Canada to let the next generations know that England arrived in the province first. However, Grant Keddie of the Royal British Columbia Museum does not agree with Bawlf’s claims. Keddie said that the lack of convincing evidence will continue to weaken the author’s argument. Keddie added that Drake’s own anecdotes were all burnt after a London fire long ago, leaving no concrete evidence of his exploration in the province.

【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 will be the implications if the “Drake theory” is proven to be true?

         Do you think this is an important discovery? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         How important is a country’s history? Kindly explain your answer.

         If you could change one thing about your country’s history, what would it be and why?

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Japanese Astronaut To Lead International Space Station

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. take charge [TEYK-CHAHRJ] (idiom) – to become in control of something

Example: The assistant takes charge of the tasks when the commander is absent.

2. board [bawrd] (v.) – to enter a vehicle such as an aircraft, a ship, or a train

Example: The passengers boarded the train for Tokyo.

3. milestone [MAHYL-stohn] (n.) – an important event in someone’s life or in the development of something

Example: His first flight to outer space sets a new milestone in his country’s history.

4. tap [tap] (v.) – to select someone for an important task or job position

Example: The board of directors tapped the young manager to lead the latest project.

5. meet expectations [meet ek-spek-TEY-shuh ns] (idiom) – to do or achieve what people expect

Example: The new employee has met the expectations set by his supervisor. 

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata has been tapped to head the International Space Station (ISS), the first for a Japanese astronaut. The 50-year-old astronaut is currently on a six-month assignment, which began in November. This March, Wakata replaced the outgoing Russian commander Oleg Kotov [o-leg ko-tov]. He will take charge of the station for the remaining two months. Since the first Japanese astronaut boarded a space shuttle in 1992, eight astronauts from Japan have gone to outer space. Wakata’s appointment as the first Japanese ISS head is the latest milestone for the country’s space development program. As the ISS commander, Wakata will represent the station to the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and officials from other nations. He will also be in charge of the safety of his fellow astronauts. In a recent communication with Earth, he said that he intends to establish a good relationship with his five crew members to help improve their skills. In choosing an ISS commander, space agencies from Japan, Canada, Europe, Russia, and the United States hold conferences to select a suitable candidate. Since NASA is in the U.S., the country plays a huge role in the selection process. Wakata’s selection as the 33rd ISS commander was decided during the space agencies’ meeting in 2011. Executive director Yoshiyuki Hasegawa of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said he was able to meet the expectations of the selecting committee, who found his technical expertise and administrative experience quite impressive. For years, JAXA has been sending many Japanese astronaut trainees to NASA. Wakata is one of those who spearheaded this effort.

【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 of Wakata’s appointment as the first Japanese ISS commander?

         If you were Wakata, how would you feel after being appointed as the first Japanese ISS commander?

Discussion B

         Why is space exploration important?

         If given the chance to participate in a space exploration, what would you like to discover? Please explain your answer.

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Economist Suggests Fishing Ban in High Seas

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. summit [SUHM-it] (n.) – an important meeting of leaders or key officials, often from different nations

Example: Our president attended the summit to discuss peace negotiations.

2. delegate [DEL-i-git, -geyt] (n.) – a country’s or an organization’s representative for a formal meeting or gathering

Example: The UN delegates from all over the world gathered at the annual convention.

3. subsidize [SUHB-si-dahyz] (v.) – to help pay for something

Example: The government subsidizes health care for senior citizens.

4. fleet [fleet] (n.) – large group of ships

Example: The fishing fleet sailed early today.

5. settle [SET-l] (v.) – to have an agreement or decision that fixes a problem

Example: The officials settled the budget shortage last week.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Fishing in the open ocean may no longer be profitable and should therefore be banned, says an economist during the recent World Ocean Summit held in California. Martin Stuchtey [STUHK-tey] from management consulting firm McKinsey [muh-KIN-zee] & Company, spoke to various delegates from different countries about how much countries are losing from this fishing practice. According to Stuchtey, many nations subsidize their fleets to go farther into the open ocean because of the decreasing marine resources. Statistical data also show that the fishing industry is experiencing high losses that lead to lower income. With this situation, Stuchtey suggested that fishing in the high seas should be banned, as it is no longer a profitable investment. He added that doing so will cut down government spending and increase financial savings. Also, Stuchtey stressed that the ban could give time for the high seas to recover from the current loss of resources. Most attendees agreed with Stuchtey’s suggestion, saying that marine life needs careful attention. World Bank vice president Rachel Kyte [kayt] stated that leaders should also take natural resources into consideration when designing economic strategies. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Prince Albert II of Monaco [MON-uh-koh, muh-NAH-koh] were among the speakers who also encourage other leaders to save the fisheries and other sea resources. More than just the economic value, the ocean sustains people’s lives. Issues like illegal fishing and chemical pollution will continue to threaten marine life if world leaders do not settle the situation.

【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 banning fishing in the high seas? Why or why not?

         What do you think are the disadvantages of this? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         What other natural resources do you think can boost a country’s economy?

         How can people take care of these natural resources?

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Be Afraid. Be Very, Very Afraid. It's FACTOID FRIDAY. Mentos, Titanium Golf Clubs, Baldness and More

A British magazine, GURU, is rapidly becoming a favorite.

Why?

The staff of Guru are assigned to research answers to those deep questions we all have, such as, why do Mentos candies foam so explosively when dropped into a bottle of Coca Cola?  Or any carbonated soda, for that matter.

This is the type of conundrum that can keep an inquiring mind awake at night, pondering the possibilities.  Well, you can sleep easy from now on.  Here's the answer by Stuart Farrimond as published in the March 26th issue of Guru.

Why do Mentos fizz so much when you put them into Coke?

Titanium clubs can cause golf course fires
Titanium alloy golf clubs can cause dangerous wildfires, according to UC Irvine scientists. When a club coated with the lightweight metal is swung and strikes a rock, it creates sparks that can heat to more than 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit for long enough to ignite dry foliage, according to findings published recently in the peer-reviewed journal Fire and Materials.

Scientists theorized that the titanium heads on some clubs designed for use in "the rough" -- natural areas off irrigated fairways -- could be to blame for the fires. Most golf clubs have stainless steel heads. However, a significant number being manufactured or in circulation have a titanium alloy component in the head. Such alloys are 40 percent lighter, which can make the club easier to swing, including when chipping errant balls out of tough spots. In Southern California, those spots are often in flammable scrub brush.

The researchers painstakingly re-created in the lab course conditions on the days of the fires. Using high-speed video cameras and powerful scanning electron microscope analysis, they found that when titanium clubs were abraded by striking or grazing hard surfaces, intensely hot sparks flew out of them. In contrast, when standard stainless steel clubs were used, there was no reaction.

To watch a video of a titanium head gold club in the rough:  Sparks Fly!

Can you drive fast enough to 
avoid being clocked by speed cameras?
Anyone wanting to avoid being caught out by speed cameras can do so very simply -- by obeying the speed limits. But physics students have suggested that -- theoretically, at least -- there may also be another way of avoiding getting a ticket. A group of students found that drivers could escape detection by driving so fast that their number plates would appear invisible to speed cameras. But any drivers tempted to give this a try next time they are on the motorway should be warned; the car would need to be traveling at 119 million miles per hour to make the number plate invisible. This speed equates to one sixth of the speed of light -- and no human-made vehicle is capable of going anywhere near this speed.

Humans can distinguish at least one trillion different odors
Humans are capable of discriminating at least one trillion different odors, new research shows. Scientists at Howard Hughes Medical Institute determined that our sense of smell is prepared to recognize this vast olfactory palette after testing individuals' ability to recognize differences between complex odors mixed in the laboratory. It has been said for decades that humans were limited to distinguishing only 10,000 different odors.

Suggested reading
click on image

Daylight saving impacts timing of heart attacks
Still feeling the residual effects of springing ahead for daylight saving time? The hour of sleep lost -- or gained -- may play a bigger, perhaps more dangerous role in our body's natural rhythm than we think according to research announced by the American College of Cardiology.

It seems moving the clock forward or backward may alter the timing of when heart attacks occur in the week following these time changes, according to research.Data from the largest study of its kind in the U.S. reveal a 25 percent jump in the number of heart attacks occurring the Monday after we "spring forward" compared to other Mondays during the year -- a trend that remained even after accounting for seasonal variations in these events.

• My experience is that heart attack occurs when you realize that you forgot to set your clock ahead and now you're an hour late.  Or that you've gotten up an hour before you need to.

Human 'hairless' gene identified: 
One form of baldness explained
It's not a hair-brained idea: A new research report out of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology explains why people with a rare balding condition called 'atrichia with papular lesions' lose their hair, and it identifies a strategy for reversing this hair loss. "Identification of hairless as a histone demethylase may shed new insights into its mechanism of action in regulating skin and hair disorders," said the lead author.

• I feel so much more informed.  What did they say?