Living on another planet

Thousands of years of astronomy spent wondering about potentially(潛在) habitable(可居住) planets(行星) in the universe(宇宙) and then 64 billion come along at once.

The discovery of new planets has in recent years become commonplace(屢見不鮮) but most have been spotted(看到, 斑) by looking at changes in the light of their bright stars(恆星). Now we have a view into the smaller, darker red dwarfs(紅矮星) that make up 80 percent of stars in our galaxy(銀河系).

The HARPS team peered(盯著) at a representative sample of stars estimating that 40% of the 160 billion red dwarfs in our galaxy has a super-Earth circling in the Goldilocks or habitable zone; that's where the temperature is just right for liquid(液態) water.

Astronomers are getting better at spotting smaller planets close to Earth's size and it seems that everywhere they look and in every way they look, planets abound(生產, 豐富). There's still a long way to go to determine(確定) whether any of them has conditions suitable(合適的) for life and a long way again to search for life itself.

But with billions of kitchens in which the ingredients(成分) of life might come together, it's ever more difficult to doubt that the recipe has been tried elsewhere(別處).

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120330_witn_another_planet.shtml

New face, new future

Richard Lee Norris has spent the last fifteen years living as a recluse(隱遁的), wearing a mask to hide the severe(嚴重) injuries(受傷) he received from a gun accident. Now surgeons at the University of Maryland medical centre have given Mr Norris a new face - his teeth, tongue(舌頭) and jaw(顎) are also new.

The thirty-six-hour operation was, say the doctors who performed(執行) it, the most extensive(大規模) face transplant ever. The first such operation was performed in France in 2005, on a woman who was mauled by(打傷) her dog.

The University of Maryland's transplant research has been funded by the US navy. Surgeons hope they can soon begin operating on military patients wounded(負傷) in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US government estimates(估計) that 200 wounded troops(兵) might be eligible(有資格) for face transplants.

Richard Lee Norris is, say his doctors, recovering well after the surgery. He's brushing(刷牙) his teeth and shaving(刮鬍子), and has regained(恢復) his sense of smell.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120329_witn_face_transplant.shtml

US healthcare on a knife edge 邊緣

Barack Obama's healthcare reforms, passed almost exactly two years ago, remain one of the most contentious(爭議) aspects(方面) of his presidency. The bill was passed in the teeth of vociferous opposition(大聲疾呼反對) from the Republican Party. Polls suggest(民意調查) that public opinion(民意) remains sharply divided(對立).

A key provision(條款, 規定) that individual citizens should either buy health insurance or pay a penalty(罰款) - the so-called individual mandate(任務, 命令) - has already been the subject of numerous(眾多) legal challenges across the country. It was almost inevitable(必然) that the issue would ultimately(最終) reach the highest court in the land.

The nine justices(法官) who make up the Supreme Court(最高法院), five of them regarded(視為) as conservatives(保守派), will spend a highly unusual(不尋常) three days hearing oral(口頭) arguments. They'll issue their findings in the summer, just as this year's presidential election campaign swings into full gear(加快步伐). The impact(影響) on the campaign of a ruling on such an important political issue could be enormous.(巨大)

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120327_witn_obama_healthcare.shtml

Are electric cars gaining獲得 ground(抬頭)?

Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal(煤), is addicted to(沈迷於) fossil fuels(化石燃料), which generate most of its electricity and drives much of its transport system.

In the Melbourne suburb(郊區) of Brunswick, conservationists(保護主義者) say a small but significant(重大地) step has been taken towards a cleaner energy future.

Australia's first solar power charging station for electric cars has been switched on. It takes up to 5 hours to fully replenish(補充) a battery that allows an average(平均) vehicle to travel about 150kms.

As the technology improves, it's hoped that batteries could eventually be fully charged within half and hour.

Environmentalists say that Australia has been slow to embrace(擁抱) electric cars compared to other countries because of what they describe as "serious cultural and political resistance(阻力)" to change.

Petrol(汽油) prices recently hit US$1.60 a litre here. If those costs continue to rise(上升) then Australia's indifference to(漠視, 不關心) electric-powered vehicles could begin to change.

this report is from bbc learning english 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120326_witn_electric_car.shtml

Hands off Olympic athletes

Attention to detail has been a mantra(口頭禪) of the British Olympic Association in its preparations for the London Games. Its determination(決心) to leave no stone unturned (不遺餘力) has now included advice on the friendly handshake(握手).

The team's head doctor Ian McCurdie said within reason it should be off-limits(禁地). He said hand hygiene(衛生, 保健法) presented one of the biggest risks of infection to the athletes.

It's feared(擔心) the spread(傳播) of disease(疾病) could scupper (毀滅,排水口)their chances of equalling(相當於) their performance at the Beijing Olympics when they finished fourth in the medals table.

If handshaking is unavoidable(不可避免) the team members have been asked to wash as soon as possible as it could be the difference between success and failure(失敗).

Most of them will be living and mingling(混合) with thousands of other athletes in the Olympic village. The British authority(權威) on etiquette(禮儀), Debrett's, said being asked not to shake hands with rivals(對手) and officials seemed a bit extreme(極端), as it could look rude.

And a spokesman(發言人) for the US Olympic team said they would be encouraging(鼓勵) their athletes to meet, greet and interact with as many athletes from other countries as possible.

this repost is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120320_witn_olympic_handshake.shtml

Russian football racism row

Christopher Samba signed for(簽署) Anzhi Makhachkala last month from the English Premier side Blackburn Rovers. A banana landed at his feet after the match against(對抗) Locomotive Moscow. The player tossed it(扔回) back into the crowd, for which it's been suggested he could face disciplinary action.(紀律處分)

Meanwhile senior officials from the Moscow club have concluded(結論) that it was the visiting fans who were responsible for the incident. Anzhi responded by threatening(威脅) legal action(法律行動) unless(除非) the allegations(指控) could be substantiated(證實).

Locomotive fans have been seen racially abusing(種族濫用) a player before. In 2010, they unveiled(推出) a banner displaying a banana, saying: "Thanks West Brom", after the English side had signed the Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie from the club.

Domestic football in Russia has a reputation for racism. Shortly before the country won the right to stage(舉辦) the 2018 World Cup the Football Union said it was committed to tackling the issue.(改善問題)

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/03/120323_witn_russian_football.shtml

Wake up and smell the coffee!

Jen: Hi I’m Jen and with me today is Li. Did you get my text message this morning?

Li: Hi Jen, yes, and I’ve brought everything you mentioned.

Jen: What, I didn’t ask you for anything?

Li: I’ve got you this great alarm clock and I’ve made this lovely pot of coffee – would you like a cup?

Jen: Er… No thanks… But Li, I didn’t tell you to bring anything today.

Li: You did. Look – you said : “The boss asked to see you in his office… I think you need to wake up and smell the coffee!”…

Jen: Yes…but…

Li: So I’ve brought some coffee and an alarm clock for when I see the boss, to show him I can wake up and smell the coffee.

Jen: I didn’t mean it literally. When we say ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ in English, it means that you need to pay attention(注意) because you’re missing something that’s really obvious(明顯地).

Li: So when you tell me to “wake up and smell the coffee,” you think something’s going on that I don’t realise.

Jen: Exactly. Let’s hear some examples:

• Wake up and smell the coffee – she doesn’t want to go out with you!

• My girlfriend wants me to buy her some diamond(鑽石) earrings(耳環), but I’ve got no money, she really needs to wake up and smell the coffee!

Li: So if this man’s girlfriend needs to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’, she needs to realise he can’t afford to buy her the earrings she wants.

Jen: Now you’ve got it!

Li: Ok, so in your text you said that I need to wake up and smell the coffee because the boss wants to see me?

Jen: Yeah…

Li: So you think I’m missing something…

Jen: Think about it… he said he loves your work, he is always talking about how talented you are, how he wants to reward his staff…wake up and smell the coffee, Li!

Li: I just don’t know what you are getting at.

Jen: I mean I think he’s going to give you a pay rise.(加薪)

Li: Really! Wow, that would be fantastic! I never would have thought I’d get a pay rise, he must think I’m really good!

Jen: Well, don’t forget me if you suddenly become really rich.

Li: Of course I won’t forget you.

Jen: You can buy me something nice.

Li: I’ll tell you what – I’ll buy you a coffee!

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2012/02/120228_tews_60_smell_the_coffee_page.shtml

To let the cat out of the bag

Cat: Miaoooowwwwww!

Will: Hello, I'm William.

Graciela: And I'm Graciela. Will, I hope you've brought that poor cat for a very good reason. It's terrified!(嚇壞了)

Will: Well I wanted to explain an English phrase. And I brought Whiskers to help.

Cat: Miaow.

Graciela: Well he's not very happy about being stuffed into that bag. You'd better hurry up and explain your phrase.

Will: Okay, okay. So, right. I'm going to tell you a very big secret.

Graciela: Oh?

Cat: Miaow?

Will: But you must promise never to let the cat out of the bag!

Graciela: No, we must let him out, he is unhappy, Will.

Cat: Miaow!

Will: No, no. I mean in English, when we say 'you mustn't let the cat out of the bag', it means that something is a secret and that you mustn't tell anyone.

Graciela: Ah, so it doesn't literally(從字面上) mean there is a cat in a bag. It just means that there's a secret that must be kept.

Cat: Miaow.

Will: Exactly. And I brought Whiskers in just to help you remember the expression. If you let the cat out of the bag, it means that you reveal(揭示) a secret. Listen to some examples.

• We need to keep this quiet! If anyone lets the cat out of the bag there'll be trouble!

• We were going to have a surprise birthday for dad, but my silly(愚蠢的) brother let the cat out of the bag the day before.

• Well the cat's out of the bag now. Everyone knows Amy will be given the lead role.

Graciela: Okay I get it.

Cat: Miaow.

Graciela: But I'm not at all interested in secrets until we get this real cat out of this real bag. I'm going to let it out!

Cat: Miaoooowwwwww!

Graciela: Owwwwww!

Will: I actually meant it when I said don't let the cat out of the bag. Whiskers is a bit crazy.

Graciela: Your cat is berserk(發狂的), get him off me!

Cat: Miaooowww!

Will: Well, now you'll remember not to let the cat out of the bag next time!

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2012/03/120320_tews_63_cat_in_bag_page.shtml

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

Will: Hi! I'm William. And here's... er well, something that looks a bit like Li, but kind of half-Li half-animal. Are you okay Li?

Li: Yes, I am very well, thank you.

Will: I don't mean to be rude, but... why have you got a large, bushy(毛茸茸) tail(尾巴) today?

Li: Well, it was an order from the boss.

Will: The boss told you to come in with a tail?

Li: Yes.

Will: Right. But what about the bright(明亮的), sparkling(閃閃地) glitter(發光) around your eyes?

Li: Oh, that too. Don't you think it makes my eyes look lovely and bright?

Will: Well, yes, they are kind of... dazzling(耀眼).

Li: I think he will be pleased. Yesterday he wasn't pleased with me. He said I looked bored and tired. It's true I didn't get much work done, I'd had a late night.

Will: Right. So what will the tail and sparkly eyes do - make you work harder?

Li: Yes! Apparently(似乎,看來,顯然地)!

Will: Li, I'm not sure that the rest of the team will be able to concentrate with all of that fur(皮毛) and glitter in the office!

Li: Well, it was the boss's idea - not mine.

Will: Li, what did he actually say when he asked you to do this?

Li: He said: 'Li, tomorrow I expect you to come in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.'

Will: Right. I hate to say this, but it's just an expression.

Li: What? Just an expression? Why does this keep happening to me?

Will: Well, if you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you're full of energy and enthusiasm(熱情). The boss didn't expect you to come in looking like some kind of squirrel(松鼠) on its way to the Oscars.

Li: Oh.

Will: He just wanted you to be a bit more motivated and energetic.

Li: Oh no, I'm never going to be able to get this tail off - I put so much glue(膠水) on it. Everyone will laugh at me!

Will: Maybe. Here are some examples:

• Wow, look at you, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! It looks like you're ready for action!
• After the summer holidays, the children returned to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Li: Oh Will, what will people say when they look at my tail?

Will: They'll probably just start feeding(喂食) you nuts(瘋了).

Li: Oh! This is terrible!

Will: Or maybe acorns(橡子).

Li: What shall I do?

Will: Well I wouldn't eat the acorns, but there's nothing wrong with nuts.

Li: Will, help me! Pull this tail, please, pull!

Will: Okay. Come on! Come on, silly(愚蠢) tail!

Li: It's all the boss's fault!

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2012/03/120306_tews_61_bright_eyed_page.shtml

To paint the town red

Will: Hello! I'm Will. It's Friday night - time to have fun! This is the Burning Swan - my favourite pub. I'm just waiting for Li. Oh there she is. My goodness! What is she wearing this time?

Li: Hi Will.

Will: Hi Li! Nice... blue overalls(工作服)!

Li: Thank you, these are new overalls, I bought them especially for tonight.

Will: Right. Okay. Li, I don't really follow fashion, but in London at least, denim(單寧) overalls are really just for builders and painters and carpenters.

Li: Yes! Right, where do we start, Will?

Will: Eh? What? What are you doing?

Li: It's definitely very dull(平淡,枯燥) in here.

Will: Why have you got a can(罐) of paint?

Li: That wall especially. Shall we?

Will: Li? What are you doing? She's finally gone mad. Li!

Li: What's the matter?

Will: Look, you can't just walk into places and start repainting their walls! Don't! I love that brown colour!

Li: Didn't you want it to be red?

Will: No! No-one wants it to be red!

Li: But you said that tonight we'd paint the town red - starting with this pub!

Will: It's an expression!

Li: Not again!

Will: It means that we'll go out and have a really exciting, crazy time. We'll paint the town red - it just means we'll have fun, not actually paint things. Let's listen to some examples.

• It's my daughter's birthday today. She's gone out with her friends. I expect they'll paint the town red!

• Go on, come out with me tonight, let's paint the town red!

• We had a crazy night on Saturday, we painted the town red.

Li: So now, Will, tell me about all this crazy fun we're meant to have. What's your idea of painting the town red?

Will: Well we drink, we dance, we laugh loudly(大聲地), we meet people, we stay up all night.

Li: Hmm. I'd still rather just paint. Let's just do this one wall.

Will: No, Li, stop, stop we'll get arrested.

Li: Isn't that colour so much better?

Will: No! No! Look, stop it! You'll ruin(破壞) our night out!

Li: It's beautiful!

Will: Li! Stop

THIS REPORT IS FROM BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2012/03/120313_tews_62_paint_town_red_page.shtml