Why Americans Should Keep Tipping in Restaurants

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. high-end [HAHY-END] (adj.) – expensive or with great quality

Example: High-end restaurants serve expensive wines.

2. abolish [uh-BOL-ish] (v.) – to remove completely

Example: The manager wants to abolish bad habits among his staff.

3. food attendant [food uh-TEN-duh nt] (n.) – a person who attends to the needs of customers in a restaurant (e.g. getting orders, serving food, etc.)

Example: The food attendant served beef steak with mushroom soup.

4. guilty [GIL-tee] (adj.) – related to the feeling of being responsible for a bad action

Example:  The customer felt guilty for not giving enough tip to the food attendant.

5. perception [per-SEP-shuh n] (n.) – the manner by which a person views something or someone

Example: From a student’s perception, eating out in restaurants is expensive.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Food and lifestyle writer Tracy Saelinger of Today.com is questioning whether American restaurants should do away with tipping, after a high-end Japanese Restaurant in New York abolished tipping altogether. The management of the said restaurant, called Sushi Yasuda, decided to include tips to the menu price to give customers an authentic Japanese dining experience. It turns out that in Japan, tipping a food attendant is seen as offensive. At first, Saelinger thought the idea of not tipping may be good for customers. Without tips, customers do not have to feel guilty about not giving enough. But then Saelinger considers the benefits of tipping not only for food attendants and customers but also for restaurant owners. One obvious result of removing the tip system is the increase in food prices. Restaurant owners will have to charge extra to cover service fees. However, Mike Lynn, professor at Cornell University, says restaurants that charge service fees are seen as expensive. This perception can be bad for business. The quality of service also suffers if customers no longer tip attendants. Lynn adds that many restaurants in tourist areas like Miami have poor service because attendants do not have to work hard for tips. Normally, a food attendant in the US earns an average of $180 for six hours of work. But with tips, that amount can get as high as $200 to $300 on peak days due, making the job appealing to most people. Overall, Saelinger thinks American restaurants should keep the tip system because it is beneficial to everyone.

【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 tipping system should be eliminated? Why or why not?

·         Do you agree that giving tips contribute to the quality of service in restaurants? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         How do you think can restaurants maintain a good quality of service?

·         In your opinion, should customers reward service crews for their good service? Please explain your answer.

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Visualizing

visualizing....wait
Visualizing.
What if you
Imagine something good,
come on,
peace, love, happiness,
ice cream, chocolate,
puppies and Saints.

Sing, start to sing,
What you see.
It is good.
Food, prosperity,
Freedom.

Feel, start to feel
the vibrations
of the universe.

Remember,
start to
Remember
what you
Visualized
so many years
ago.

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African Economy Remains Vulnerable Despite Continuous Growth

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. stagnation [stag-NEY-shuh n] (n.) – the state of not growing, progressing, or improving

Example: Many businesses are not showing profit improvement because of the country’s reported stagnation.

2. get hammered [get HAM-erd] (idiom)  – to repeatedly suffer defeats and damages

 Example: The local economy has been getting hammered by its international competitors.

3. rebound [RI-bound, REE-BOUND] (v.) – to recover from a bad situation

Example: With higher GDP, the country’s economy rebounded from last year’s recession.

4. roadblock [ROHD-blok] (n.) – anything that stops progress

Example: The lack of skilled workers might become a roadblock to the country’s future development.

5. transparency [trans-PAIR-uh n-see] (n.) – the state of being open and clear

Example: Good governance requires transparency in all state operations.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

An economic report predicts that Africa will continuously grow in the next couple of years; however, it warns unsure sustainability. The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) recently presented the said report. The report shows that after two decades of stagnation, the region has been experiencing significant economic growth. After getting hammered by the global financial crisis and the rising costs of food and fuel towards the end of the last decade, Africa recovered with an impressive growth rate of 4.6% in 2010. The growth went down in 2011 because of political conflicts in North Africa but quickly rebounded to 5% in 2012. According to Joseph Barichaco of the UNECA, the growth comes from a strong domestic demand for commodities, rising incomes and public spending, urbanization, and foreign investment. However, the study warns that despite economic growth, the continent's dependence on exports could eventually become a roadblock. African nations also need to resolve the increasing unequal distribution of wealth and the corrupt system. According to Barichaco, corruption and the huge gap between the rich and the poor have caused unequal wealth distribution in the continent. One official suggested that the industry needs transparency so people can know what they can get from their own land resources. This way, the Africans can benefit equally from the economic growth in the region. Baricacho also believes that the region needs to invest in factories and refineries to create new products from its abundant raw materials. In turn, these measures can result in a more stable growth.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think that Africa can become as successful as the rest of the world? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, can the rest of the world benefit from a successful African economy? Discuss with your tutor.

Discussion B

·         Do you think that successful and prosperous countries have a responsibility to help the less successful ones? Why or why not?

·         In your opinion, what are the reasons behind the success of the world’s richest nations? Please explain your answer.

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Focus

Focus

just turn the dial,

and Focus.

Turn the pretend knob

next to your ear

and Tune in.

Can you visualise

What it is that you want?

Focus.

Are you wasting your life

Getting revenge,

Getting back,

Out of

Focus.

You need to

Focus

on all you wish for,

as long as it doesn't hurt 

someone or something,

or likewise has a 

negative effect, like to rob another.

Tuesday 

11:11

Focus,

it only takes a second

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Tightrope Walker Crosses Gorge near the Grand Canyon

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. daredevil [DAIR-dev-uh l] (n.) – a person who likes doing dangerous things

Example: Daredevils enjoy exciting activities like bungee jumping and sky diving.  

2. gorge [gawrj] (n.) – a deep and narrow space between two hills or mountains

Example: We saw the gorge between high mountains as the airplane flew over the land of Arizona.

3. tightrope [TAHYT-rohp] (n.)  – a stretched wire hanging above the ground in which a performer walks on

 Example: The circus performer fell from the tightrope after losing his balance.

4. stunt [stuhnt] (n.) – a difficult and often dangerous performance that displays a person’s special skill

Example: My father enjoys watching action movies with a lot of special effects and scary stunts.

5. pan [pan] (v.) to criticize heavily

Example: The critics panned the circus management for giving low quality performances.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Well-known daredevil Nik Wallenda has successfully crossed the Little Colorado River Gorge in Arizona on a steel cable without any form of safety devices. Wallenda, now 34, is famous for his dangerous tightrope walks. In fact, he holds seven Guinness world records. In 2012, he also became the first person to ever complete a similar stunt over the Niagara [nahy-AG-ruh, -AG-er-uh] Falls in New York. His most recent achievement was broadcasted on television last month. For almost 23 minutes, Wallenda walked over a two-inch tightrope that was a quarter of a mile long. The tightrope was also suspended 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River. Wallenda has always dreamed of walking above the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Prior to the event, Wallenda expressed confidence that he could safely perform the stunt. Having a family has also become one of his inspirations in finishing the tightrope walk. Although Wallenda’s attempt was a success, critics are still panning on how the event was misleading. Wallenda claims that he has crossed the Grand Canyon, when in fact; he crossed only the gorge above the Navajo Nation near the said canyon. Some members of the Navajo Nation have also become worried that the dangerous event may just be a publicity stunt. Nonetheless, a spokesperson from the tribe took the event positively, believing that broadcasting the event can actually tell the world that the Novajo culture and tradition still remain.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think such stunts exciting or dangerous? Why do you say so?

·         Why do you think daredevils enjoy such dangerous stunts?

Discussion B

·         Do you think conquering one’s fears is important? Why or why not?

·         How can people best conquer their fears?

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Politics

 Politics

Sweet Politics,

How can thee cause so much strife?

Right or Left,

In or Out,

Yea or Nay,

Right or Wrong,

This is not a song.

Spell checker doesn't rhyme.

Anyone can run in a race,

Only one will win.

One side is side happy,

The loser is sad.

Lately the press poking & jabbing a guy,

Who sells duct tape wallets,

Tickets, CD's and Why,

Does the press think People like me won't go vote,

For the guy who sings and dances,

Never misses a note.

So just saying my vote's for Rusty,

No matter how long a shot,

He's a guy like old Fred Tuttle,

and I liked him an awful lot.

mary gerdt..endorsing the logger, rusty dewees

i think he has a fighting chance

at whatever he decides.

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Protecting Personal Information from Hackers

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. surveillance [ser-VEY-luh ns, -VEYL-yuh ns] (n.) – the act of observing a person or group, usually by police authority

Example: The government agency used hidden cameras to monitor people under surveillance.

2. content [KON-tent] (n.) – the subject matter of a message, conversation, or discussion

Example: The investigators looked into the contents of the email for possible evidence.

3. hacker [HAK-er] (n.) – the person who accesses data in a system or computer without permission

Example: The hackers secretly accessed the bank’s computer to get some confidential information.

4. means [meen] (n.) – a method in which something is done

Example: The Internet has provided people different means of communication.

5. sensitive [SEN-si-tiv] (adj.) – kept secret or private to avoid risking security dangers

Example: John was fired after revealing the company’s sensitive information online.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The US government stressed that it only monitors metadata [meta-DEY-tuh] as part of its extensive surveillance after many people wondered why it goes through countless of emails and phone call data. Metadata provide only limited details about email and phone transactions. This kind of data contains only the information about the receiver, sender, date, and size of the email. Metadata also give information about the time of the call, the location of the caller, and the cell tower used. With metadata defined, the government claimed that it did not access the content of the emails and phone calls it monitored. Police authorities and intelligence agencies use these metadata to easily track down criminals and terrorists. However, metadata can also be used negatively by hackers. These hackers can use metadata to get financial and personal information by matching the obtained details to other online sources. Because of such threat, Bill Supernor, CTO of an Internet security firm, suggested basic means to protect one’s personal information. He suggested that people use more random passwords that are different from the ones used in social media, such as names of pet, property, family, and address. Supernor also advised not to include confidential and very important information in emails and text messages. Lastly, Supernor wants everyone to know that privacy and confidentiality are not secured on the Internet.  Thus, everyone should protect sensitive information in any way possible, especially when communicating through the Internet.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, should people be concerned about metadata? Why or why not?

·         What risks can occur if the government continues to monitor people’s emails and phone calls? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Aside from password protection, how can we prevent hackers from getting into our personal information?

·         How do you think can the government help in preventing hacking activities? Please explain your answer.

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Strange Sky

Strange Sky

The sky

looked strange,

What can I say?

My lifetime of memories,

Never a sky like this.

Does it mean something?

This unusual sky?

No one could tell me,

Nowhere, Nothing, Nobody.

I paused to look at the

Ominous cloud formations,

Calculating my certain demise,

When a mighty wind

Came through and in the blink of an eye,

It all changed.

The sky was blue

Not a cloud in the way

The world's not over,

Looks like we are here to stay.

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Psalm Challenge 114

Psalm 114

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

114 I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer.

² Because he hath inclined his ear unto me: and in my days I will call upon him.

 

³ The sorrows of death have encompassed me: and the perils of hell have found me. I met with trouble and sorrow:

 

⁴ and I called upon the name of the Lord. O Lord, deliver my soul.

⁵ The Lord is merciful and just, and our God sheweth mercy.

⁶ The Lord is the keeper of little ones: I was little and he delivered me.

⁷ Turn, O my soul, into thy rest: for the Lord hath been bountiful to thee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

⁸ For he hath delivered my soul from death: my eyes from tears, my feet from falling.

⁹ I will please the Lord in the land of the living.

 

 

Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

by Public Domain

Psalm 114

 

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‘Perfect Pitch’ is Not Perfect, Study Says

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

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

1. pitch [pich] (n.) – the degree of highness or lowness of a tone

Example: The performers tuned the guitars to get the right pitch.

2. accurate [AK-yer-it-ee] (adj.) – perfect or free from mistakes

Example: The accurate results of the research make its facts free from errors.

3. covertly [KOH-vert-lee, KUHV-ert-lee] (adv.) – done in a way that is not openly acknowledged or displayed

Example: John used to sing covertly until he was forced to sing on stage.

4. malleable [MAL-ee-uh-buh l] (adj.) – can be easily changed or influenced

Example: Human brain is malleable especially at a young age.

5. perception [per-SEP-shuh n] (n.) – how people understand what they see, hear, taste, feel, and smell

Example: One’s perception about life can change with different experiences.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study in the University of Chicago found that people who believe they have perfect pitch may not be as in tune as they think.  According to scientists, “perfect” or “absolute” pitch is the phenomenon in which one identifies a note accurately just by hearing it. People with such skill are very rare. In fact, only one in 10,000 people have perfect pitch. Researchers from the University of Chicago tested musicians with perfect pitch and found that people who were considered to have “perfect pitch” mistaken in-tune sounds to be sharp. The experiment involved 27 students with “perfect pitch” who were asked to listen to a music piece for 45 minutes. In this set-up, the researcher covertly changed the pitch, which gradually became flatter and flatter. After listening, the participants were not able to notice the changes in the pitch, thinking that it was still in tune. The study demonstrates the malleability of the brain in which even a brief exposure can still rearrange thoughts that were considered long-term and stable. Results also revealed that exposure to music influences how people identify notes from their sound, rather than having an absolute ability at an early age. The study thus supports the idea that brains can adapt and learn new things even at a later stage in life. Generally, this study revealed that our environment and perceptions can actually influence how we see the world we live in. Researchers still hope to examine further the possibilities of improving one’s ‘perfect’ pitch.

【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 will this study affect musicians especially those who have perfect pitch?

·         In your opinion, how can having a perfect pitch be important to musicians?

Discussion B

·         Why is music important? Please explain your answer.

·         What do you think are the contributions of the music industry in our society today? Please explain your answer.

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