GREG MORTENSON: GETTING LOST AND FINDING A CAUSE 葛瑞格．莫頓森：迷途中找到奮鬥的目標2

What he saw was 82 children kneeling on the frosty ground scratching letters in the dirt. Haji Ali, the village headman, explained that the village had no school and had to share a teacher with a neighboring village. Appalled, Mortenson declared, “I’m going to build you a school. I will build a school. I promise.” After returning to California, Mortenson set out to keep that promise. Over the next few months, he laboriously wrote 580 letters to famous people asking for money for the school. He received just one check for $100.

In the midst of that discouragement, he received a letter from his mother, a teacher. Her students had spontaneously started a program called “Pennies for Pakistan” all on their own to help him. They had collected 62,345 pennies. He had a start. Then he connected with an eccentric scientist and mountain climbing enthusiast who also happened to be wealthy. He wrote a check to Mortenson and mailed it with an enclosed note: “Don’t screw up.” Mortenson had no intention of doing that, but now he faced the daunting task of actually constructing the school.

kneel  v.跪

frosty  a.結霜的、嚴寒的

scratch  劃出、塗寫

dirt 泥、土

appalledàstrong feeling of hate, dislike or disgust

a.     驚駭的、喪膽的

laboriously

spontaneously

penny 一分、一分硬幣

eccentric 古怪的、反常的

screw up something

daunting àbig and very hard

【Chat room】

I promise. 我承諾、我保證

vow發誓、鄭重的宣布

marriage vows 婚姻的誓言

oath 誓言、誓約、尤其指法庭上的宣示(名詞，不能當動詞用)

【More information】

Pennies for Peace

What started out as “Pennies for Pakistan” has become “Pennies for Peace.” The program demonstrates that something considered pretty worthless- a penny – can actually make a difference in the world. There are now “Pennies for Peace” campaigns in more than 50 countries, which have collected more than 250 million pennies, or 2.5 million dollars!

【Key word】

appalled 感到震驚、驚嚇的

We were appalled at the sight of the burning home.房子著火的景象令我們感到震驚

Gina was appalled to hear that her husband was wounded in the accident.

Gina聽到先生在意外中受傷被嚇壞了

laboriously 辛勤地、辛苦地

labor勞力

The secretary laboriously organized all the files in the office.

秘書很勤奮地把辦公室裡所有的檔案都整理好了

Laborious勤勞的、辛苦的

A laborious housekeeper 很勤勞的管家

spontaneously自發性的

The parents spontaneously go to class to read stories to the students a few times a year. 家長們自發性的一年幾次到班上去說故事給孩子們聽

spontaneously自動地

The audience spontaneously cheered when the player scored.

球員一進球，觀眾們不由自主地歡呼起來。

GREG MORTENSON: GETTING LOST AND FINDING A CAUSE 葛瑞格．莫頓森：迷途中找到奮鬥的目標

One man’s efforts bring education to the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan

憑一己之力帶給巴基斯坦、阿富汗民眾受教育的機會

In mid-September 1993, an exhausted man stumbled into the tiny village of Korphe, in the vicinity of K2, the world’s second highest mountain. He had come to Pakistan to climb the mountain in memory of his sister Christa, who had recently died from an epileptic seizure. But he had failed. Six hundred meters from the summit, the mists had enveloped the peak, forcing him to retreat. As he trekked back down the mountain, he soon found himself separated from his porter and completely lost.

Now he was in a village he had never heard of and was too sick to hike over the rugged terrain back to familiar territory. So the man, Greg Mortenson, stayed in the village, regaining his strength and helping where he could. So grateful was he for the poverty-stricken village’s hospitality that he gave away all his belongings. A male nurse, he made the supplies in his expedition medical kit stretch as far as possible to treat the people in the surrounding area. But it was a simple request that changed Mortenson’s life and the life of the villagers of Korphe: He asked to see their school.

vicinityàthe nearby area

epileptic seizure 癲癇症發作

rugged 嚴峻的

terrain 地區、地域、岩群

【Chat room】

envelope/ envelop

envelope信封(n.)

He took the letter out of the envelope.

envelop 包住、蓋住(v.) 重音在第二音節

The fog enveloped the house. 霧氣籠罩著那棟房子

The mists had enveloped the peak. 水氣覆蓋著山頂

【Grammar on the go】

So grateful was he for the poverty-stricken village’s hospitality, that he gave away all his belongings.

So grateful was he for….

=He was so grateful for……

Esau was so hungry that he sold his birthright to his brother Jacob.

=So hungry was he, that Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob.

So tired was she from all her travels, that Amy slept for two whole days.

【Key word】

vicinity 鄰近地區、近處

All of George’s relatives live in the vicinity.

George所有的親戚都住在附近

There is a YMCA in the immediate vicinity of the train station.

靠近火車站附近就有一間青年會

Chicago and its vicinity will have frost tomorrow.

芝加哥和它的鄰近地區明天會有霜

trek  步行、徒步旅行

trekked / trekking

The expedition trekked along the river and finally reached the camp.

遠征隊沿著河邊走，最後終於到達了營地

The newly weds decided to go trekking in Alaska for their honeymoon.

這對新婚夫婦決定到阿拉斯加徒步旅行作為他們的蜜月之旅。

belongings 財產、攜帶的物品

belong

Don’t forget to take all your belongings with you when you get off the train.

下火車時別忘了把所有隨身物品帶走

Chris put his belongings in his brother’s garage until he can find a new place.

Chris把他的東西放在弟弟的車庫裡直到他找到新的地方

Boost your energy level 提升你的能量水平2

Watch your sugar

Some sweet foods will cause your blood sugar to rise sharply, giving you a quick burst of energy. However, your blood sugar levels will quickly plunge, leaving you feeling even more wiped out than before. For balanced blood sugar and energy levels, eat whole grain foods, which release fuel slowly and steadily throughout the day.

Exercise

Won’t you feel more tired if you exercise? No! Studies conducted at California State University found that an energetic 10-minute walk increased people’s energy levels. And the energy increase lasted up to two hours. After three weeks of daily 10-minute walks, their energy levels in general were higher.

Laugh

Studies show that laughter causes your brain to release endorphins, which make you feel good and full of energy. The next time you feel like you’ve lost your get-up-and-go, try laughing. Take some time each day to read jokes, watch a funny program or laugh with your friends. Along with an increase in energy you may find a new enthusiasm for life!

plungeàdrop quickly

wiped outàextreme tired

enthusiasm 熱情

【Grammar on the go】

Along with an increase in energy you may find a new enthusiasm for life!

along withà-=together with

Together with an increase in energy, you may find a new enthusiasm for life.

Tim’s mother sent him a box of clothes along with some snacks.

Along with a huge bill, Burt left the restaurant with a stomachache.

【Chat room】

fuel燃料，也可表示為身體提供能量的食物

fuel也可當動詞用，加燃料、加油

亦有刺激之意

The man’s comments fuelled the debate.那個人講的話激起了辯論，使辯論更刺激

【Key word】

wiped out形容詞片語，精疲力竭的

原來是消滅、毀滅的過去分詞wipe out

Eugene was wiped out after the swimming competition.

游泳比賽之後Eugene整個累垮了

I felt totally wiped out after taking care of my sister’s three boys.照顧完姊姊的三個男孩之後，我覺得我整個精疲力竭了

conduct執行、實施

The top scientists in the country conducted the experiment.

國內最頂尖的科學家執行了這個實驗

The new policy will be conducted next quarter.

這個新政策，下一季會開始實施

The test was conducted in the hospital lab.

這個檢查是在醫院的檢驗室進行的

get-up-and-go (起來就走)魄力、熱情、主動性

Even after working in the field for 20 years, Paula has never lost her get-up-and-go.

即使在這個行業工作了20年，Paula從沒失去他的熱情。

As a sales representative, you need a little bit more get-up-and-go.

身為一位業務專員，你需要多一點對工作的熱情。

Boost your energy level 提升你的能量水平1

 

Follow this simple advice and feel more energetic

遵守以下簡單建議, 就能感到更有活力

During the day, do you often feel tired and unable to focus? If so, you’re in good company as many people frequently complain about a lack of energy. But instead of reaching for an energy drink, why not try some of the following tips.

Drink water

Dehydration can make you feel tired. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after a workout.

Reduce stress

According to psychologist Paul Baard, stress can leave you mentally and physically tired. But you can reduce stress by doing something that relaxes you. Reading, listening to music or walking in the park can help. Relax and you’ll find your stress decreasing and your energy increasing.

Don’t skip meals

Just like your mother always told you, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Eating shortly after you get up provides your body with the necessary fuel to get moving and fight fatigue.

And it’s not just breakfast that’s important. Studies show missing even one meal can cause you to feel greater exhaustion by the end of the day.

boostàto improve or increase

be in good companyàthere are many people have same problem with you

fatigue

exhaustion

【Chat room】

Boost our energy level提升我們的能量

running on empty精神不濟(原指汽車快沒油)

out of gas

Feel up to doing something想做某件事

I don’t feel up to going out tonight我今晚不想出去

To be up for something

Are you up for a movie tonight? No, I’m not up for it.不，我提不起勁/我不想

【Key word】

Boost提高、增加、促進

Winning the singing contest boosted the band’s popularity.

贏得歌唱比賽大大的提升了這個樂團的人氣

The praise from the teacher boosted the boy’s confidence.

老師的讚美大大的提升了這個男孩的自信

The new policy successfully boosted the economy.

這個新的政策成功的刺激了景氣

be + in good company處於一樣的困境

If you get really nervous when speaking in public, you’re in good company.

如果你在大眾面前講話會緊張，那麼你並不孤單。

“I’m really bad with numbers.”我對數字真的很不在行

“Don’t worry! You’re in good company.”別擔心，不是只有你會這樣

dehydration脫水

Athletes should drink water frequently to avoid dehydration,

運動員要經常喝水以避免脫水

Dehydrate

Babies are easily dehydrated when they are running a fever.

小嬰兒發燒的時候很容易脫水

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 年度績效評鑑

Examining my work performance考察我的工作績效

It’s that time of the year again for my performance review. I just received an e-mail from my manager requesting a self-review from me. She also wants a list of individuals that she can solicit feedback from about my work. Both are due in a week. I’ve been thinking about all the projects I’ve done and people I’ve worked with during the past year. In my self-review, I need to give examples of achieving results in leadership, management, etc. I also need to show that I am a good team player and am sharpening my technical skills.

Lastly, I have to set performance goals for the coming year. These should be measurable, have a time frame and set the direction for the future. I also have to give short-term career goals in my review so I can get support and approval from my manager. An annual performance review is a great communication tool for me. Most importantly, I am waiting for a raise and a bonus for working so hard this past year.

solicitàask some for money, help or information.

sharpenàmake it better or stronger

approval

bonus

【Grammar on the go】

It’s that time of the year again for my performance review.

It’s that time of the year again for…

It’s that time of the year again for everybody to tidy up their work place for the cleaning contest.

It’s that time of the year again for students to camp out in the library all day.

It’s that time of the year again for people to gather up their receipts and figure out their tax forms.

【Chat room】

Mail 郵件、信件(集合名詞，不可數)

數量+piece

I received seven pieces of mail today. 我今天收到七件郵件

e-mail電子郵件

今天這篇文章提到：an e-mail from my manager

e-mail 是可數名詞 an email, two e-mails, three e-mails

這是因為e-mail是e-mail message 的縮寫

Message是可數的

I have 45 e-mail messages.

一般人都將它簡化為I have 45 e-mails.

Seven pieces of mail 不等於seven letters，因為letter僅限於私人信函

但mail涵蓋所有的郵件：letters, bills, junk mail

【Key word】

solicit徵求、募集

The company tried to solicit funds to manufacture their new product.

這家公司試著募集資金可以大量生產製造他們的新產品

The organization is soliciting support from Senators for this bill.

這個組織正在尋求參議員對這個法案的支持

sharpen使提升、使敏捷(原本有削尖、磨利之意)

Howard decided to study culinary arts in France to sharpen his cooking techniques.

Howard決定要去法國學習廚藝讓自己的烹調技術更加提升。

The training will sharpen these athletes’ skills in a short period of time.

這個訓練可以讓運動員們短時間內技巧更加精進

Approval 肯定、批准、贊成

Approve肯定

Jeffery spent all of his life trying to get his parents’ approval.

Jeffery花了一生的時間試著得到他父母的贊許

You need to get your supervisor’s approval to leave early.

要提早離開的話，你必須得到上司的批准

THE GREAT GIRAFFE 長頸鹿的秘密2

Even more danger!

Another enemy of giraffes is crocodiles. They can catch giraffes during their weakest moments: while leaning down to drink water. Luckily for giraffes, they can go for days without water.

Babies

When baby giraffes drop into the world, they really drop. Cow giraffes give birth standing up. So their babies fall over 1.5 meters in the first second of life. But this tumble doesn’t stop the babies from being able to stand and walk within an hour. In fact, their mothers often leave them alone for a day to let them rest.

At the manor

Wild giraffes live on the grasslands in Africa and are quite a sight to see. So, if you’re wishing for a close encounter, hop on a plane to Kenya. Near Nairobi, you can stay at Giraffe Manor – a hotel with a herd of giraffes on their grounds. You will wake up to giraffes peeping in your windows!

crocodile

cow àfemale animal

tumbleà fall quickly and out of control

manoràa nice place that you go and stay

herdàa large group of one kind of animal are live together

【More information】

Fast Facts About Giraffes:

Each stride a giraffe takes is about 5 meters long. Giraffes are very vocal. They can moo, hiss, roar and whistle. Giraffe’s feet can be up to 30.5 centimeters wide- the size of a dinner plate. A giraffe’s tongue is about 50 centimeters long and is blue-black in color. Mate giraffes eat up to 65 kilograms of food a day!

stride跨步、跨越

【Chat room】

a herd of giraffes on their grounds

ground地面

grounds建築物周圍的庭院

the school grounds在學校圍牆內的土地

private grounds私人的庭院

因此文章中是指，在他們的園區內有一群長頸鹿

grounds動機、理由

He resigned on the grounds of ill health.他因病辭職

grounds也可以指”沉澱物”

coffee grounds咖啡渣

【Key word】

lean (不及物動詞) 屈身、傾斜

The girl leaned out of the window to see the view.

這女孩伸出窗外欣賞風景

The lawyer leaned over and whispered something to his client.

這位律師傾身和他的客戶講悄悄話

The boy leaned against the wall to put on his shoes.

這個男孩靠在牆壁上穿鞋

tumble摔跤、跌倒

The tumble from the stairs really hurt the old lady.

從樓梯上一摔真的讓老太太受傷的很嚴重

Tumble價格的暴跌

The stock market took a tumble after the earthquake.

地震過後，股市大跌

The tumble of the EURO made strong effects on the export and import market.

歐元的貶值對進出口市場造成很大的影響

encounter遇見、接觸

I don’t remember this lady’s name. We only had a brief encounter several years ago.

我不記得這位女士的名字，我們只是幾年前很短暫的見過一面

Eric had a frightening, close encounter with a brown bear yesterday.

Eric昨天驚險的和一隻棕熊近距離接觸。