8/29 Talk about “sports day” and “school physicals” at Korean schools.

Korean schools typically have a sports day in the fall.

* sports day: 체육대회, 운동회

ex> My parents will come to sports day this Friday.

The entire school engages in various sports activities.

* engage in: ~에 참여하다

ex> We engaged in a lot of sports back in school.

There is excitement in the air as students compete to win points for their team. There are a number of events that take place such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickball, dodge ball, Korean wrestling, and tug of war.

* excitement in the air: 들뜬 분위기

* tug of war: 줄다리기

ex> There was tug of war between the two sides.

At the end of day, the team with the highest points wins the competition. Meanwhile, there is a separate day when students are tested on their basic athletic abilities.

ex> I haven’t been tested on my athletic abilities recently.

Their ability to run, jump, throw, and how many pull-ups or sit-ups they can do is tested. There’s also a day for school physicals. On that day, students get their height, weight, eyesight, and other physical traits measured.

* school physical: 학교 신체검사

ex> Girls don’t like the day for school physicals.

@ Did you have sports day back in school?  학교 다닐 때 운동회 했었어?

@ Related Topics>> School Physicals (2010.10.18)

8/28 Talk about the seasonal illnesses in Korea.

Winters in Korea are freezing cold.

ex> I can’t stand this freezing cold weather.

The flu and even pneumonia become more common during this season. Come spring, there’s yellow dust to worry about. The yellow sand storm blows in from China’s deserts.

* blow in from: ~에서 불어오다

ex> The gentle summer breeze blows in from the south.

The harmful dust lingers in the air. People wear masks to avoid breathing in the bad air.

* breathe in (the) bad air: 나쁜 공기를 들이마시다

ex> Breathing in bad air is not good for old people.

The dust can cause eye irritation, throat infections, and even skin allergies. When summer comes around, there are more cases of heat exhaustion. Plus, people stay in air-conditioned rooms to avoid the scorching heat and humidity. However, excessive exposure to air-conditioning can lead to cold-like symptoms.

ex> Her cold-like symptoms were found to be pneumonia.

Finally, in the fall, the morning lows and the afternoon highs tend to vary quite a bit. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure should take caution.

* the morning lows: 아침 최저기온

* the afternoon highs: 낮 최고 기온

* vary quite a bit: 차이가 제법 나다

ex> Temperatures vary quite a bit at this time of year.

@ Don’t stay outdoors for too long.  밖에 너무 오래 있지 마.

@ Related Topics>> Seasonal Illness (2011.2.28)

8/27 Talk about corporate recruitment by Korean corporations.

Large Korean companies hire new employees through an open recruitment process.

ex> Some companies didn't hire new employees because of the bad economy.

Typically, these yearly recruitments take place in the fall.

* yearly recruitment: 연례 공채

ex> The government is asking large companies to expand yearly recruitment.

Many job seekers apply for various positions. First, applicants submit their resumes and statements of purpose.

ex> You need to submit your resume on time.

* statement of purpose: 자기 소개서

A group of qualified applicants move on to the next round. The next rounds are interviews with different level of management. Applicants are tested on various skill sets and values.

* be tested on: ~에 대한 검증을 받다

ex> I was tested on my English proficiency.

* different levels of management: 여러 경영진

Different screening methods are being added these days. Such means include group discussions or mock presentations. The best contenders make it to the final round, which is an interview with high-ranking executives.

* make it to the final round: 최종 단계에 진출하다

ex> She made it to the final round of the audition.

* mock presentation: 모의 발표

* high-ranking executive: 고위 임원

@ I applied to several companies.  여러 군데 지원했어.

@ Related Topics>> Open Recruitment (2011.2.3)

8/26 Talk about long-distance relationships.

I think long-distance relationships are likely to fail.

ex> They got married after being in a long-distance relationship for a year.

I’m speaking from personal experience.

ex> He is trustworthy as he always speaks from personal experience.

I once dated a guy who went to study abroad. It was very hard to maintain the relationship. First, it was okay, except that we missed each other very much.

ex> It’s hard to describe how much they missed each other very much.

But as time went by, it became harder and harder. We fought over the phone more often.

ex> I stopped calling him as I didn't want to fight over the phone.

  

Slowly, we started to call each other less and less. I guess the saying “out of sight, out of mind” kicked into play. I know that some people think the opposite : “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” But that doesn't work for me. I don’t think I can ever be in a long-distance relationship again.

ex> I actually think the opposite.

@ Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship?  장거리 연애 해 본 적 있어?

@ Related Topics>> Long distance relationship (2011.1.29)

8/25 Talk about vision enhancement surgeries.

Vision enhancement surgery has become commonplace in Korea.

* become commonplace: 보편화되다

ex> Smart phones have become commonplace all over the country.

Their prices have fallen a lot as well. The two most common types in Korea are Lasik and Lasek. More and more people have been getting rid of their glasses or contacts with the help of these surgeries. Some people hesitate to get these procedures because they fear permanent damage to their eyes.

ex> If you don’t treat it now, it may cause permanent damage to your eyes.

However, due to the improvement in technology, this is becoming less of a concern.

* less of a concern: 줄어든 걱정/우려

ex> Overweight problems have become less of a concern.

Both procedures use laser to reshape the surface of the eye. Many people get 20/20 vision after undergoing surgery.

* get 20/20 vision: 1.0 교정시력을 얻다

ex> I couldn't get 20/20 vision even after the surgery.

Some common side effects are night glare or dry eyes.

ex> The doctor explained the side effects of the surgery to me.

@ My vision has gotten worse. 시력이 나빠지고 있어

@ Related Topics>> Vision enhancement Surgeries (2011.1.13)

PE 8/29 Starting a New Business

I've made a big decision: now that Teddy and Rachel are both in university, I want to start my own business. I've already been testing the waters and know what I’m going to do.

* test the waters: to try something, but not in a fully committed way

ex> The car company released a small number of its electric cars just to test the waters.

That’s great. I hate seeing you moping around the house. What kind of business do you want to start?

* mope around: to act depressed and glum around other people

ex> Stop moping around and get out and do something!

I’m going to blog about my experiences and share tips and information I find online. After I've built up an audience, I’ll hang out my shingle and start offering my consulting services.

* hang out one’s shingle: to launch a business

ex> After law school, Zach hung out his shingle as a tax attorney.

That’s a great way to reap the harvest of your years of experience running a household and raising two great kids. So, what are you going to call it?

* reap the harvest: to be rewarded for one’s past efforts

ex> If you want to reap the harvest, you must first work the soil.

I’ll just have to tweak my marketing a little bit, but I don’t want to leave anyone out.

* tweak: to make a minor adjustment to something

ex> We tweaked the payment plan so everyone would get paid sooner.

PE 8/28 National Parks of North America: Hawaii Volcanoes

Hey, is that smoke over there? Should we be running for cover?

* run for cover: to hide from danger; to seek shelter

ex> When the flames rose above the trees, the fire fighters ran for cover.

Note> You can also use “take cover” to mean the same thing.

I don’t think so, but to be on the safe side, let’s make an offering to the volcano goddess, Pele. I brought some leis to throw into a crater.

Whatever it takes to keep us safe, Janice. Heck, I’ll do a hula dance if need be.

* if need be: if necessary

ex> If need be, you two can sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the sofa.

I don’t think we’ll need to go to extremes, Cecil. Just be respectful of the power of these mountains.

* go to extremes: to take measures that go beyond what is necessary

ex> The CEO said he was willing to go to extremes to make the union happy.

Trust me, I am in awe of Mauna Loa and Kilauea. And the view from up here is so impressive that I’m probably going to run out of memory on my camera.

* in awe of: amazed by something

ex> I am forever in awe of women who work and raise children at the same time.

Maybe you should change careers and become a volcanologist. You know this stuff backwards and forwards.

* know something backwards and forwards: to be very familiar with a topic

ex> Renee knew the works of Shakespeare backwards and forwards.

PE 8/27 Doing a business Call

We have to show them that we are on top of technology. Today’s not the day to learn by trial and error. So log on to your computer so we can do a practice run.

* trial and error: to make repeated attempts at something until one is successful

ex> Sometimes, trial and error is the best way to solve a problem.

* practice run: a rehearsal

ex> Although it was a practice run, the actors put their best efforts into the performance.

Wait, we’re only getting started. Click “allow” so the program can access your camera and microphone. Great, I can see you. Now we’re cooking!

* now we’re/you’re cooking: an enthusiastic way to say that something is working well

ex> When Tina played the final notes of Beethoven’s symphony, her piano teacher exclaimed, “Now you’re cooking!”

I’ll add everyone’s names and titles when we get on the call. I think we’ve mastered it.

* master: to become an expert of something

ex> It is said that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill or topic.

Let me make some coffee and open the files I want to show them and then I’m ready to roll.

* ready to roll: prepared to begin

ex> Long before sunrise, the camel caravan was ready to roll.

PE 8/26 Randy Pausch’s Speech: The Last Lecture – Part 4

Get a feedback loop and listen to it. Your feedback loop can be this dorky spreadsheet thing I did, or I can just be one great man who tells you what you need to hear.

* dorky: uncool; nerdy; not fashionable

ex> My dorky classmates from high school are all Internet millionaires now.

The hard part is the listening to it. Anybody can get chewed out. It’s the rare person who says, oh my god, you were right. As opposed to, no wait, the real reason is… We've all heard that. When people give you feedback, cherish it and use it. Show gratitude.

* get chewed out/chew out: to be reprimanded

ex> My boss chewed me out in front of the entire office.

* as opposed to: instead of

ex> Some people like to stay home for vacation, as opposed to going to a resort and partying for a week.

When I got tenure I took all of my research team down to Disney world for a week. And one of the other professors at Virginia said, how can you do that? I said these people just busted their ass and got me the best job in the world for life. How could I not do that?

* bust one’s ass/butt: to work extremely hard

ex> You don’t have to bust your butt non-stop, but keep in mind that the project is due in a week.

One of the things that Jon Snoddy as I said told me, is that you might have to wait a long time, sometimes years, but people will show you their good side. Just keep waiting no matter how long it takes.

* ~ side: a part of one’s personality

ex> If you get on my bad side, I can make life very hard for you.

ex> Don’t be frightened by Rex’s tough exterior. He has a real soft side when you get to know him.

PE 8/25 Our House Was Burglarized!

Seeing our house like this makes my blood run cold. I think I need to sit down and let it sink in for a few minutes.

* one’s blood run cold: to be terrified

ex> His blood ran cold when he heard the voice of his long-dead grandfather.

* sink in: to finally understand or comprehend something

ex> When I woke up the morning after getting fired, it finally sank in that I was unemployed.

Yeah, just relax while we wait for the detectives to get here. But I have to warn you in advance that the burglary cases they solve are few and far between. We’ll most likely be dealing with insurance agents next.

* few and far between: rare

ex> Opportunities for a better job are so few and far between that they must be grabbed immediately.

Aren’t you glad I took my laptop on vacation now? Still I could kick myself for not getting a home security system.

* kick oneself: to regret a decision that turned out badly

ex> Joan said she could kick herself for not buying stock in the tech company when it first came out.

I’ll talk to the detectives and you go get on the horn with our insurance agent. Okay?

* get on the horn: to make a phone call

ex> Get on the horn with the general and tell him about the enemy’s movements!

8/22 Talk about traditional Korean-style markets.

There are still many traditional Korean markets here and there.

ex> I prefer traditional markets to modern-style supermarkets.

You’re almost guaranteed to find whatever you’re looking for at these markets.

ex> He will find whatever you’re looking for.

Whether it’s fresh produce to everyday items you need, you are bound to find them. The atmosphere is always robust with the hustle and bustle of vendors and customers.

* robust: 활기찬

ex> The economy is in a robust state.

ex> The marketplace is robust with all the people.

Customers usually try to haggle for lower prices.

* haggle for: 흥정하다

ex> It was worth haggling for a better deal.

These markets are a melting pot of people from all over the country.

ex> Students from all over the country took part in the competition.

= from all across the country

Naturally, you are most likely to hear various Korean dialects. There are many food vendors at the marketplace as well. There are tons of Korean street foods you can enjoy. They range from pig trotters to Korean-style pancakes called hoddeok.

@ I’m not good at haggling for prices.  나는 가격 흥정을 잘 못해.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I liked going to traditional markets when I was kid.

2. You can find whatever you’re looking for.

3. He always makes atmosphere robust.

4. I can haggle for everything.

@ Related Topics>> Traditional Markets (2011.1.10)

8/21 Talk about the culture of wearing matching rings.

Korean couples like celebrating anniversaries when they are dating.

ex> My parents go on trips to celebrate their wedding anniversaries.

When the relationship reaches a symbolic date, couples mark the occasion with a mutual gift.

* mark the occasion: 특정일을 기념하다

ex> We went to a fancy restaurant to mark the occasion.

A common thing they do is getting matching rings. It’s either the 100th day or the one-year anniversary that they most often do this.

ex> We’ve never got matching rings before.

The rings are often engraved with the couple’s initials. Koreans call them couple rings. In the West, his-and-her rings normally carry a heavier meaning such as engagement or marriage.

* his-and-her rings: 커플링

ex> We got his-and-her rings engraved with our initials.

Matching rings aren't only for romantic relationships though. Close friends often exchange rings as a token of their friendship. Of course, getting friendship rings is a trend among the younger generation.

* as a token of: ~의 징표로

ex> Please take this as a token of appreciation.

@ Does this ring have a meaning?  의미 있는 반지야?

<HOMEWORK>

1. I celebrate anniversaries with my family every year.

2. We drank some wine to mark the occasion of the day.

3. We haven’t bought matching rings yet.

4. I’ll treat you dinner as a token of gratitude.

@ Related Topics>> Matching Rings (2011.1.11)

8/20 How do Koreans deal with hangovers?

Koreans have several hangover remedies.

* hangover remedy: 해장법

ex> Let me tell you my secret hangover remedies.

First off, there are tonic drinks that you can drink before drinking. They usually ease the aftereffects of drinking.

* ease the aftereffect: 후유증을 완화하다

ex> Stretching eases the aftereffects of excessive exercise.

There are also drinks you can knock down the following morning. They help you sober up.

* knock down: 한번에 마시다

* sober up: 술이 깨다

ex> Let’s talk again when you sober up.

Other age-old remedies are having Korean-style stews or soups. The most typical one is haejanggook. Haejanggook literally means “hangover relief soup” and helps to soothe your stomach after drinking.

* soothe one’s stomach: 속을 편안하게 하다

ex> Cold food doesn't help soothe your stomach.

Spicy pork rib stew is the most common variety. Other common hangover relief soups are beansprout soup and dried pollack soup. A hot bowl of stew or soup really does the trick in getting over hangovers.

* get over hangovers / the hangover: 숙취를 해소하다

ex> Let me tell you how to get over hangovers fast.

@ I’m still not sobered up.  아직도 술이 덜 깼어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. Hot soup is a common Korean hangover remedy.

2. Time will ease the aftereffects.

3. I took some medicine to soothe my stomach.

4. Westerners take greasy food to get over hangover.

@ Related Topics>> Hangover remedy (2011.1.14)

8/19 How are movies rated in Korea?

Movies in Korea are rated by the Korea Media Ratings Board.

ex> The movie was rated “restricted for minors” because of its violence.

The nine-member committee consists of movie directors, film experts, legal professionals and parents.

ex> The panel mostly consists of parents and teachers.

They rate movies based on the theme and content. Things like nudity, sexual content, violence, and vulgarity are all considered.

ex> This movie is based on a true story.

There are five categories : general audience, 12 and above, 15 and above, restricted for minors, and restricted screening. This is similar to how movies are rated in the US.

ex> Her idea was quite similar to what I was thinking.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is in charge of rating films.

ex> Please let me know who is in charge of this problem.

The members of the MPAA are made up of parents from all over the country. Their identities are kept secret. The content of the film determines whether it’s G(general audience), PG(parental guidance), PG13(parental guidance for under 13), R(restricted), or NC17(restricted under 17).

@ The movie is rated R.  그 영화는 제한상영가 등급을 받았어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I don’t understand why this movie is rated R.

2. My class consists of a total of 20 students.

3. The shirt is similar to yours.

4. She is in charge of first-grade students.

@ Related Topics>> Movie Rating (2011.8.26)

8/18 Talk about how Koreans like to sing at karaoke rooms.

Koreans are very fond of singing.

* be fond of: ~을 좋아하다

ex> I am fond of dancing to upbeat music.

Karaoke rooms, called norae-bangs, are all over the place.

* be all over the place: 어디에나 있다

ex> Coffee shops are all over the place.

They are practically on every street corner. If you go inside the separate rooms, there is a karaoke machine, a table, and places to sit on. There are props such as tambourines as well.

* props: 소품

People normally go to these places after a round of drinks.

* after a round of drinking: 한 차례 술을 마신 후에

ex> He just left after a round of drinks.

It helps people let their guards down and bond with one another.

* let one’s guards down: 긴장을 늦추다

* bond with one another: 서로 친해지다

ex> Workshops are good opportunities for people to bond with one another.

Singing also helps people sober up. Norae-bangs can spice up the mood, but it can also help wrap up the night. An average Korean would go to a karaoke room once a month.

* sober up: 술이 깨다

ex> This drink helps you sober up.

@ I’m not a good singer. 나는 노래 잘 못해.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I’m very fond of draft beer.

2. He came to join us after a round of drinking.

3. Kids tend to bond with one another easily.

4. I sobered up on my way home.

@ Related Topics>> Karaoke Room (2014.1.15)

8/15 Talk about becoming a flight attendant in Korea.

Many young Koreans aspire to become flight attendants.

* aspire to: ~하길 열망하다

ex> We all aspire to become something when we are young.

Flight attendants are predominately female.

* predominately: 대다수의 경우

ex> Koreans are predominately right-handed.

Naturally, there are more females than males who pursue this career. The pay is above average and they get the perk of traveling all over the world.

* above average: 평균 이상인

ex> The food here is above average.

* get the perk: 특전을 얻다

In Korea, flight attendants are stereotypically viewed as young and attractive professionals. The job was especially glorified back in the day. Still, even today, it’s a cutthroat industry because there is a lot of competition to become a flight attendant.

* stereotypically: 고정관념상

* cutthroat industry: 치열한 업계

There are departments in universities and private training schools that specialize inflight attending. Most people end up working for domestic airlines. However, there are others who get hired by foreign airlines as well.

* specialize inflight attending: 기내 서비스에 특화하다

@ The competition is very fierce. 경쟁이 아주 치열해.

<HOMEWORK>

1. She aspires to become an actress.

2. The tourists here are predominately Chinese.

3. His grades are above average.

4. There is a lot of competition to get into good schools.

@ Related Topics>> Flight Attendants (2011.2.18)

8/14 Talk about when you take your car in for repairs.

I regularly take my car into the service center for check-ups.

ex> I had to take my car into the service center after an accident.

They are trustworthy as they specialize in my car.

* trustworthy: 믿을 수 있는

ex> We have established a trustworthy relationship.

I recently had to get some repairs done on the outside.

* get some repairs done: 수리를 받다

ex> I spent a lot of money to get some repairs done.

I had gotten into a small fender bender and cracked my bumper.

* crack one’s bumper: 범퍼가 깨지다

ex> Fortunately, I only cracked my bumper and there was no more damage.

One of my headlights went out.

ex> The lights went out, and I couldn't see anything.

<Speaking Tips>

I cracked my rear bumper.

I scratched my fender yesterday.

I have a dent on my back door.

@ My car is in the shop.  차가 정비소에 있어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. My mother asked me to take her car into the service center.

2. It’s good to a have trustworthy friend.

3. It took me a week to get some repairs done.

4. I got scared because the lights went out.

@ Related Topics>> Auto repairs (2011.1.4)

8/13 Describe the bathroom at your home.

I recently installed a bidet on my toilet.

ex> It took me some time to get used to the bidet.

There’s a toilet plunger and a toilet bowl brush.

ex> I need a toilet plunger because my toilet is backed up.

I keep extra rolls of toilet paper in the cabinet.

ex> I forgot where I put the extra rolls of toilet paper.

I keep my mouthwash and razor on my sink.

ex> I use mouthwash every time I brush my teeth.

There’s also the towel rack where I hang my towels.

ex> The towel rack in my bathroom is broken.

@ The toilet is backed up.  변기가 막혔어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. It’s not that expensive to install a bidet.

2. Where is the toilet plunger?

3. I use mouthwash to remove bad breath.

4. Please hang towels on the towel rack.

@ Related Topics>> Bathroom (2011.1.19)

8/12 Talk about kimbab and how it is made.

One of the most common snack food in Korea is kimbab.

* snack food: (식사 대용) 간식

ex> Popcorn is one of the most common snack foods at the movie theater.

Kimbab can be described as Korean-style rolls.

ex> Hoddeok can be described as Korean-style pancakes.

You place thinly sliced ingredients on top of the rice.

* thinly sliced: 얇게 썬

ex> Sprinkle cheese on thinly sliced potatoes.

The last step is to lightly brush sesame oil on the surface.

ex> Finally, lightly brush olive oil on top of the pizza.

You then cut the kimbab into bite-sized pieces.

ex> Cute the fruits into bite-sized pieces before putting them in the salad.

ex> The cheese comes in bite-sized pieces.

@ Let’s just grab some kimbab.  김밥이나 먹자.

<HOMEWORK>

1. You can buy some snack foods at convenient stores.

2. Put the thinly sliced lemon on the fish.

3. Lightly brush milk on the dough before baking it.

4. The bread is cut into bite-size pieces.

@ Related Topics>> Kimbab (2011.1.18)

8/11 Talk about postnatal care centers in Korea.

There are postnatal care centers for women who just had a baby.

* have a baby: 아이를 낳다

ex> We are going to have a baby this summer.

These facilities help mothers recuperate from childbirth.

* recuperate: 기력을 회복하다

ex> It took me a long time to recuperate from childbirth.

These centers help mothers get back on their feet.

* get back on one’s feet: 기력을 회복하다, 재기하다

ex> I started to work out to get back on my feet.

The staff is very friendly and caring.

ex> I’ve never seen such a caring person.

These services can come with a hefty price tag though.

* come with a hefty price tag: 가격대가 매우 높다

ex> Designer brands come with a hefty price tag.

@ My sister had twins last week.  내 여동생이 지난 주에 쌍둥이를 낳았어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I want to have a baby as soon as baby.

2. It took me a full week to recuperate from the trip.

3. He got back on his feet soon because he was young.

4. The service was satisfactory but came with a hefty price tag.

@ Related Topics>> Postnatal care center (2011.1.28)

PE 8/22 New Baby Means New Car

Just deal with it. In 18 more years you can get another sports car, but for now we need something bigger and safer for our growing family.

* deal with it: to accept the consequences of something

ex> She just doesn’t love you anymore, so you’ll have to learn to deal with it.

It’s not like we’re strapped for cash. Come on, honey! Why do I have to suffer for this?

* strapped for cash: lacking money

ex> Tim was strapped for cash, so he decided to sell one of his cars.

You’re suffering? I’m the one carrying this baby inside of me along with an extra 10 kilos of blubber! You don’t have any room to talk.

* have no room to talk: to be in no position morally to speak about something; be guilty of what one is speaking about

ex> You have no room to talk when it comes to money – you’ve been broke for the last year.

Sounds like you have the makings of a great dad – changing his diapers, keeping him clean, checking his temperature…

* have the makings of: to have the necessary qualities to become something

ex> That boy has the makings of a great scientist if he keeps studying.

Did you say “his”? We’re having a boy? I’m thrilled to bits[u1] !

* thrilled to bits: extremely pleased

ex> My parents were thrilled to bits when I was accepted into their alma mater.

Let’s take this down to the dealership and see how much we can get for a trade-in.

* trade-in: 보상 판매

---

 [u1]= over the moon; on cloud nine; trickled pink

8/8 Talk about housewarming parties in Korea.

Koreans commonly hold a housewarming parties.

ex> I held a housewarming party for my friends last week.

The hosts usually prepare a meal for the guests to enjoy.

ex> It doesn't take me much time to prepare a meal.

Korean housewarming gifts are rather practical.

ex> We all chipped in to buy a housewarming gift.

Housewarming parties can vary in size.

ex> Cell phone models vary in size and color.

Newlyweds tend to hold bigger parties.

* newlyweds: 신혼부부

ex> Small apartments are popular among newlyweds.

@ We all chipped in a little to buy a present.  선물을 사려고 다 같이 돈을 조금씩 모았어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I had to hold a housewarming party three times.

2. We bought a rice cooker as a housewarming gift.

3. His gift was not practical at all.

4. Many newlyweds go on honeymoons overseas.

@ Related Topics>> Housewarming Party (2011.2.19)

8/7 Talk about manners on public transportation.

It’s important to follow basic etiquette on public transportation.

* follow basic etiquette: 기본 예절을 지키다

ex> I teach my children to follow basic etiquette at restaurants.

You should try to make it pleasant for other passengers.

* make something pleasant: ~을 쾌적하게 하다

ex> The hotel staff made our stay very pleasant.

Sprawling out on the seat is just plain rude.

* sprawl out: 팔 다리를 쭉 벌리다

ex> I don’t like people who sprawl out on the subway.

Reading the newspaper wide open is also inconsiderate.

* inconsiderate: 배려심 없는

ex> Speaking in a loud voice in public is inconsiderate.

It’s also common sense to keep the seats reserved for the elderly vacant.

ex> He doesn't have any common sense.

@ He has no manners.  그는 매너가 없어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I was taught to follow basic etiquette.

2. He tried to make our stay pleasant.

3. That was really selfish and inconsiderate act.

4. It is common sense to recycle these days.

@ Related Topics>> Subway Manners (2011.2.12)

8/6 Talk about how people have become more height-conscious.

People have become more height-conscious these days.

* height-conscious: 키에 신경을 쓰는

ex> Teenagers have become more height-conscious.

Some of the trendy shoes on sale are often 10 to 12 centimeters high.

* trendy shoes: 유행하는 구두

ex> She always wears trendy shoes.

Many Korean men wear lifties to look taller.

* lifties: 키높이 구두

ex> You don’t need lifties because you are tall enough.

Ordinary people are also investing in lifties.

ex> I like to be around ordinary people.

People also have shoes tailor-made to fit their taste.

* fit one’s taste: ~의 취향에 맞다

ex> I couldn’t find anything that fit my taste.

ex> The food didn’t fit my taste.

@ I wish I was taller. 내 키가 더 컸으면 좋겠어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I don’t know why people are always height-conscious.

2. You look nice to wear trendy shoes.

3. I wear lifties because I’m not that tall

4. He always wears tailor-made suits because he’s too tall.

@ Related Topics>> High heel and Lifties (2010.11.4)

8/5 Talk about public baths or saunas in Korea.

Koreans are fairly used to going to public bathhouses.

* public bathhouse: 공중 목욕탕

ex> My son like to go to public bathhouses.

Some places have a communal area where people can mingle.

* mingle: 섞여서 어울리다

ex> I mingled with people who came to the party.

* communal area: 공용 구역

You can kick back and relax or just watch television there.

* kick back and relax: (두 다리를 쭉 뻗고) 편히 쉬다

ex> I just kick back and relax when I got home.

These public facilities are relatively cheap.

ex> Outlet malls are relatively cheaper than department stores.

Some places are open around the clock.

* around the clock: 24시간 내내

ex> I worked around the clock to finish my assignment.

@ I want to get a body scrub.  때 밀고 싶어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. There are some people who don’t like to go to public bathhouses.

2. They mingled well just as soon as they met.

3. I’m too busy to kick back and relax.

4. I’m looking for a pharmacy that is open around the clock.

@ Related Topics>> Public baths (2011.2.4), Saunas (2012.7.19)

8/4 Talk about your relationship with your siblings.

I’m the youngest in my family.

ex> He is 9 years old and the youngest in his family.

Note> the oldest in one’s family: 첫째, the youngest in one’s family: 막내

second oldest; third oldest; an only child (외동)

She’s always been a bit protective.

ex> All mothers tend to be a bit protective of their kids.

She used to play a motherly role.

* motherly role: 어머니 같은 역할

ex> My sister played a motherly role in my family.

As I started to get older though, we got quite close.

* get quite close: 매우 가까워지다

ex> I want to get quite close with her, but I don’t know how.

I started to look up to her as a mentor.

* look up to: 존경하다, 우러러보다

ex> Many young people look up to him as a role model.

@ I’m an only child.  나는 외동입니다.

<HOMEWORK>

1. He doesn’t look like the youngest in his family.

2. My boyfriend is too protective of me.

3. We got quite close with each other.

4. My boss is a person whom I can look up to.

@ Related Topics>> Siblings (2011.1.18)

8/1 Talk about the pros of having breakfast.

Many people tend to skip breakfast for various reasons.

ex> I woke up late yesterday morning so I had to skip breakfast.

Some people can’t squeeze in a meal in their hectic mornings.

* squeeze in: ~할 짬을 내다

ex> If you come this afternoon the doctor will try to squeeze you in.

* hectic morning: 정신 없이 바쁜 아침

Some just don’t eat because it has become a habit.

ex> Once it becomes a habit, it’s difficult to quit.

Eating breakfast can help you get off on the right foot.

* get off on the right foot: 순조롭게 시작하다

ex> The trainer helped me get off on the right foot with my workout.

Eating breakfast will facilitate your metabolism.

ex> Spicy food is said to facilitate your metabolism.

We should not underestimate the power of having breakfast.

* underestimate: 과소평가하다

ex> Don’t underestimate the effects of a healthy diet.

@ My stomach is growling.  배에서 꼬르륵 소리가 나.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I never skip breakfast.

2. Waking up early has become a habit of mine.

3. Vitamin B facilitates your metabolism.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

@ Related Topics>> Breakfast (2011.1.22), Breakfast (2012.9.19)

PE 8/21 National Parks of North America: The Everglades!

I’m so glad we finally escaped the hustle and bustle of the city for the day. This airboat tour is amazing.

* hustle and bustle: a hectic pace

ex> Paul enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city because, he said, it made him feel alive.

Well, they did get a little smaller, but they’re still at the top of the food chain. Can you imagine if they were still 15 meters long!

* the top of the food chain: the strongest predator in an ecosystem

ex> Although humans are at the top of the food chain, we aren't the fastest or strongest.

Yeah, the birds are cool, but what stole the show so far have been the dugongs we saw near the dock when we just got in the boat.

* steal the show: to attract more attention during an event than the main attraction

ex> John stole the show with his impersonation of President Obama.

I read that at least 50 of them are taken out by boats every year.

* take out: to kill or injure something/someone

ex> The bus driver took out three sheep who were crossing the road at the wrong time.

People take rare animals for granted, but look at what happened to the pink river dolphin and the dodo. Those extinctions should have been a wake-up call for everyone.

* wake-up call: a shocking event that makes people take notice

ex> The disappearance of the aircraft was a wake-up call for tighter security.

PE 8/20 Surprise Health Inspection of a Restaurant

The whole point of a surprise inspection is to keep restaurant owners on their toes and ensure that they keep their restaurants clean and safe at all times.

* keep one on one’s toes: to make someone be prepared for the unexpected

ex> A good CEO always keeps his executives on their toes by challenging them daily.

I’ll take the shipment into consideration. But I’ll be looking at the whole ball of wax – the proper storage of food, clean surfaces, everything. Hmm… it looks like you’re keeping raw chicken and lettuce in the same refrigerator drawer.

* the whole ball of wax: everything

ex> For her wedding, Sheila had a white dress, a horse-drawn carriage – the whole ball of wax.

We’ll fix that now. To be on the same side, I’ll throw away the lettuce because of cross-contamination.

* to be on the safe side: to take precautions

ex> To be on the safe side, drive with your headlights on during the day, too.

Yeah, please get on that right away. I see some broken glass in the corner. I assume that just happened during the lunch rush and it will be cleaned up soon?

* get on: to do something

ex> If you don’t get on it now, the leak will only get worse.

I’ll just be checking out your dining area and your restrooms and then I’ll be on my way. The restrooms are the Achilles heel of most restaurants.

* Achilles heel: a weak point

ex> My Achilles heel has always been my inability to see the big picture.