PE 6/27 New Exercise Equipment

It’s the Ultimate Abdominal Machine. I’ll have a six-pack in no time!

* six-pack: highly defined abdominal muscles

ex> The male model had a solid six-pack covered in baby oil.

Oh no! Is that the torture device they sell on late-night television? I can’t believe you fell for it.

* fall for: to accept something for the truth that is likely false

ex> My younger sister always falls for my pranks.

ex> I used to fall for everything I heard on television.

Tom, it’s unlikely that was actually the same person. Didn't you see the word “dramatization” at the bottom of the screen? You have to read the fine print when you buy things like that.

* the fine print: detailed rules or instructions, usually accompanying the purchase of a product or service.

ex> According to the fine print, I need to send my receipt of purchase to the company.

Well, I’m going to use it and prove you wrong, you’ll see. In two weeks I’ll have an enviable midsection.

* midsection: 복부, 몸의 중간부

Crunches are so old school. All you end up with it back pain, not a flat stomach.

* old school: something from the past

ex> Although I don’t usually like rap music, the old school stuff is pretty good.

Enjoy your miraculous machine. You know what they say: There’s a sucker born every minute!

* there’s a sucker born every minute: a suggestion that there are many gullible people in the world.

ex> P.T Barnum coined the phrase “there’s a sucker born every minute” to describe how stupid the general public is.

PE 6/26 N.Z. – Lord of the Rings Tour

Here’s where they filmed the battle scene with the Orcs! Such a breathtaking view!

* breathtaking: so beautiful it makes one stop breathing for a moment

ex> The breathtaking views from the bow of the ship made the cruise more memorable.

Let’s hurry and get in line. I don’t want to miss a thing. I hope they do the tour in “Elvish”! I've been brushing up on the language for weeks.

* brush up on: to re-study something one already knows

ex> I brushed up on my computer programming skills before I started the new class.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but I think it will be in English.

Cross your fingers that they will let us take pictures holding some of the props they used in the film.

* cross one’s fingers: to hope for the best outcome

ex> Sean crossed his fingers before he jumped out of the airplane.

Note> An old superstition says that if you cross your finger (usually two fingers of the same hand) it will bring good luck.

It says here in the brochure that you can wear the costumes and hold the weapons, so they've got that part of your Lord of the Rings fantasy covered.

* get/have something covered: something that one wants is available

ex> I’m glad we got that covered – I don’t think I could have stood for another week of waiting to get one the tour list.

I can’t make heads or tails of what you just said. What does it mean?

* can’t make heads or tails of: can’t figure something out; can’t understand something

= be completely baffled by; have no idea of; have no clue of

ex> Suzanne couldn't make heads or tails of what the strange man was saying.

6/27 Talk about some Korean birthday traditions.

Koreans follow some Western birthday traditions.

ex> Having a birthday party is one of the birthday traditions.

We celebrate birthdays by blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.

* blow out the candles: (불어서) 촛불을 끄다

ex> I made a wish before blowing out the candles.

Giving birthday presents or cards are very common as well. There are some unique Korean customs though. An age-old birthday tradition in Korea is to eat mi-yeok-gook.

* age-old tradition: 오래된 전통

ex> Children learn age-old traditions from a young age.

ex> What are some age-old traditions you have related to dining culture?

Mi-yeok-gook is a seaweed soup that is very healthy. A typical question people would ask a birthday boy or a birthday girl is “Did you have mi-yeok-gook?” Surprise birthday parties are not that common in Korea.

* surprise birthday party: 깜짝 생일 파티

ex> We held a surprise birthday party for her last night.

* birthday person/boy/girl: 생일 주인공

ex> The birthday girl looked so happy with her friends.

Instead, the birthday person normally invites people to his/her party. He/she pays for everything for the party as well. Plus, Koreans have big parties for a baby’s first birthday and one’s 60^th, 69^th and 79^th birthdays.

@ Oh, you shouldn't have.  아이고, 이러지 않아도 되는데.

<HOMEWORK>

1. There are some interesting birthday traditions.

2. The birthday person makes a wish before blowing out the candles.

3. I think the age-old tradition should disappear.

4. The birthday person held a big birthday party

@ Related Topics>> Korean birthday traditions,

6/26 Talk about a typical Korean meal.

There are three basic components to a typical Korean meal.

* basic component: 기본 구성 요소

ex> These are the basic components of the system.

First there is the rice. Koreans normally eat steamed rice that is sticky.

* steamed rice: 쌀밥

ex> Steamed rice is the main staple for Koreans.

And then, there is the soup or stew. Soups or stews are made from meat, fish, or vegetables. The soup base is usually soybean paste, red pepper paste, or soy sauce.

* soup base: 국물 맛을 우려내는 양념

ex> Put in more soup base if the soup is bland.

Last but not least, there are various side dishes called banchan. The most common side dish is of course, kimchi. There are over a hundred types of kimchi. They come in different shapes and taste. They can be made from various ingredients.

* various ingredients: 다양한 재료

ex> You can use various ingredients to change the texture.

As for dessert, rather than cakes or pies, Koreans finish their meals with fruit or a dessert drink, such as shik-hae or soo-jung-gwa.

* dessert drink: 후식 음료

ex> They sell dessert drinks in cans now.

@ Don’t starve yourself.  굶지 마.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I had another bowl of steamed rice.

2. I typically use soybean paste as a soup base.

3. Various ingredients are used to make the dish.

4. Most dessert drinks are cold and sweet.

PE 6/24 Bill Gates Speech – Part 4

We need communities who will stand in the schoolhouse door – not to keep people from coming in, but to keep students from dropping out.

* drop out: to quit school or leave a group

ex> In the 1960s a lot of young people dropped out of society and joined communes.

Note> A dropout is a person who stops going to school.

I was studying some of the graphs and charts in the Urban League’s State of Black American report, and the statistics on labor participation caught my attention.

* catch one’s attention: to cause someone to look at or listen to something

ex> Her long red hair and curvaceous body caught the man’s attention.

Once they have graduated high school, African Americans on average do just as well – or better than – whites.

* on average: typically

ex> On average, more people vote in presidential elections than in other elections.

We need everyone pushing for change –especially parents.

* push for: to exert effort to make something happen

ex> The Democratic Party pushed for tighter gun control laws after the mass shooting at the school.

It’s a lot to ask a busy parent. A lot of them are going to think: I don’t have time to fix America’s school; I’m trying to get my child to pass Algebra.

* a lot to ask (of) someone: expecting a great deal of something from a person

ex> Tom knew it was a lot to ask of his parents, but he had nowhere else to turn to.

6/25 Talk about funerals in Korea.

When someone passes away, the family members normally rent out a funeral parlor at a hospital.

* funeral parlor: 장례식장, 빈소

ex> The funeral parlor was crowded with mourners.

The wake goes on for two days. Mourners normally dress in black and come to pay their respects.

* wake: 철야 애도 기간

* pay one’s respect: 경의를 표하다

ex> Everyone paid their respect to those who lost their lives in the accident.

The remaining family stays at the parlor to greet the guests. Funeral-goers perform ceremonial bows and offer money gifts to express their sympathy.

* express one’s sympathy: 애도의 뜻을 전하다

ex> We expressed our sympathy to his family members.

When the wake is over, the body is taken to either the burial site or the crematorium.

* burial site: 장지, 묘소

ex> We all headed for the burial site.

Only the remaining family and close friends attend this last stage of the funeral. There are funeral agencies that offer packages for funerals. Many people make use of these companies.

* funeral agency: 상조 회사

ex> Funeral agencies provide one-stop services.

@ Now is not a good time.  지금은 좋은 타이밍이 아니야.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I always cry whenever I go to a funeral parlor.

2. I’d like to pay my respect to your efforts.

3. I expressed my sympathy to him.

4. There aren't enough burial sites in Korea.

@ Related Topics>> Funeral Services (2011.9.30)

6/24 Talk about marriage in Korea.

In Korea, parents play a fairly big role in a marriage.

ex> He played a big role in our team’s success.

When two people want to get married, they need to get the blessing from their parents.

ex> I had to get the blessing from my parents to get married.

Parents look at family backgrounds, academics, health and even age.

ex> Family backgrounds play a fairly big role in a marriage in Korea.

If the parents do not approve of the marriage, it’s extremely hard for the couple to get married. That’s why many couples break up because of their parents.

ex> I don’t think they will break up again.

Because of this culture, arranged marriages still exist in Korea. Parents arrange formal dates for their children. This is known as “seon” and the sole aim is to find a future spouse. There are also many professional matchmaking agencies that are in business. Many people find their spouses through these services.

* matchmaking agency: 결혼 정보 업체

ex> I've recently signed up with a matchmaking agency.

@ We met through a blind date.  우리 소개팅으로 만났어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. You played a big role in my decision.

2. I ended up not getting the blessing from my father.

3. He has a good family background.

4. Matchmaking agencies are in fierce competition.

@ Related Topics>> Arranged Marriage (2012.7.17)

6/23 Talk about the Korean way of calculating one’s age.

Koreans put a lot of weight on one’s age.

ex> People put a lot of weight on appearance these days.

This is based on the age hierarchy in Confucian culture. We have our own system when it comes to calculating our age.

ex> We have our own system when it comes to quality control.

* age hierarchy: 나이에 따른 위계질서

* Confucian culture: 유교 문화

We consider the time spent in a mother’s womb to be a year. A newborn would already be considered a one-year old. That’s why Koreans consider themselves a year older than they would be according to the Western age system.

We also say we got a year older as soon as a new year starts, even if our birthdays have yet to come.

* get a year older: 한 살 더 먹다

ex> You get a year older when your birthday comes.

We often ask someone’s year of birth to avoid confusion.

ex> she kept her year of birth a secret.

People’s birthdays on the solar calendar can also change every year if they go by the lunar calendar.

* go by the lunar calendar: 음력을 따르다

ex> My parents go by the lunar calendar for their birthdays.

@ What year were you born in?  너 몇 년생이니?

<HOMEWORK>

1. I put a lot of weight on his opinion.

2. I got a year older today.

3. She doesn't let me know the year of birth.

4. Chinese people tend to go by the lunar calendar.

PE 6/25 Conflicting Vacation Times

Amy, I got my vacation approved! We’ll be basking in the sun from the 15^th to the 29^th next month!

* bask in: to take in; enjoy the moment

ex> My cats love basking in the sun during the hot summer months.

ex> The president spent election night basking in the glory of his victory.

Oh my gosh, I really screwed up badly! I don’t think I can change it now.

What are we supposed to do, take separate vacations? Call the office and straighten it out right now!

* straighten out: to correct an error; make something right

ex> Before we could straighten out the problem with the Internet, we had to fix our computer.

I can’t believe you want me to clean up your mess. So how will we celebrate our anniversary? I really wanted to be sipping margaritas while watching the sunset!

* clean up someone’s mess: to fix another person’s mistake

ex> When the previous CEO left, the new chief executive had to clean up his mess.

You’re not being selfish, Amy. I understand completely that I screwed up. Don’t worry about a thing.

* screw up: to make a big mistake

ex> Don’t worry when you screw up – just try to learn from it.

Note> This is a very informal expression so use it appropriately!

Enough with the sideways compliments already.

* sideways compliment: praise with a subtle insult included

ex> My teacher gave me a sideways compliments when he told me I did better than he thought was possible.

Note> = backhanded compliment

PE 6/23 It’s Finally Summer!

What are you on about? It’s been hot for the last month. Why are you saying that to me today?

* what are you on about?: What do you mean?, What are you talking about?

ex> I heard you talking about penguins when I walked in. What are you on about?

Because the official kickoff of summer was on Saturday – the summer solstice.

* kickoff: 시작

* solstice: 최고점, 극점

Climate change is real Shirley, there’s no denying that fact anymore.

* there’s no denying: this fact cannot be ignored or disputed

ex> There’s no denying that it’s gotten more expensive to travel in Asia lately.

Yeah, but it still seems like a lot of people have buried their heads in the sand and don’t want to believe it.

* have/bury one’s head in the sand: to be in denial an accepted fact.

= in denial; don’t want to face it; don’t want to deal with it

ex> Rita had her head in the sand over her husband’s death.

Well, when their beachfront vacation homes get washed away, they’ll be singing a different tune.

* be/get washed away: to be completely removed by the ride or floodwaters.

ex> Last year, the farmer’s crops were washed away during the August rains.

* sing a different tune: to change one’s mind

ex> Shane was singing a different tune after the bank offered him a bigger loan.

PE 6/20 Last-minute Diet for Swimsuit Season

I really can’t eat pizza if I want to look good in a bikini this summer. You know how I packed on the pound over the winter!

* pack on the pounds: to gain a lot of weight

ex> Every year around the holidays, I tend to pack on the pounds.

You look perfect in my eyes! Come on, grab your purse and let’s go.

* in one’s eyes: the way one sees something

ex> In a parent’s eyes, their children are perfect.

Can’t we just give them a rain check and meet up after I've lost 15 pounds?

* a rain check: postponement; a delay until another day

ex> Let me take a rain check on lunch, Tom. I’m really busy today.

I’m only eating salad. And I’ll have one light beer. Period.

* period: end of discussion; this is the last thing that will be said about the matter

ex> You cannot go to the beach without a chaperone. Period.

Note> A period is a punctuation mark used at the end of the sentence.

Why don’t you have a good time tonight and then start your diet tomorrow? You’re just going to be giving off bad vibes the whole time.

* bad vibe: 나쁜 느낌

I don’t want to be mistaken for a beached whale.

* beached: 해변에 쓸려온

Thanks for taking one for the team! I know Tim will really love hearing about it. Hahaha!

* take one for the team: to make a personal sacrifice for the greater good of the group

ex> Sam took one for the team by talking to the unattractive girl while his friend asked out the beautiful one.

6/20 Are you a morning person or a night person?

I used to be a night person when I was in school. I used to stay up until late at night.

* stay up until late: 늦게까지 깨어 있다

ex> I stayed up until late to prepare for the presentation.

But now, there’s no doubt that I’m a morning person. It was a change I had to make because of my job. I’m usually up by six in the morning.

* be up by: ~시쯤에 일어나다

ex> I need to be up by six tomorrow morning.

* make a change: 변화를 주다

I take a shower and then, eat a quick breakfast while reading the newspaper. I leave the house by seven to get to work.

* get to work: 출근하다

ex> I always get to work on time.

I feel most alert in the morning hours, so I get a lot of work done.

* feel most alert: 머리가 가장 맑다

ex> When do you feel most alert and focused?

I work as efficiently as I can. I normally get off around six or seven, although I have to work overtime quite often.

* get off (work): 퇴근하다

ex> I usually work out after getting off work.

* work overtime: 야근하다

I go to social gatherings off and on. I’m typically home before tenish. I normally go to bed around midnight.

* tenish: 10시쯤

@ I fell asleep like elevenish.  한 11시쯤 잠이 들었어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. Don’t stay up until too late at night.

2. My mother is usually up by 5 in the morning.

3. He gets to work by bus.

4. I feel most alert after midnight.

@ Related Topics>> Morning Person or Night person (2010.10.11)

6/19 What do you do when you are relaxing at home?

I didn't like being cooped up at home when I was young.

* be cooped up: 틀어박혀 있다

ex> I don’t want to be cooped up at home on such a nice day.

But now that I’m older, I just like to veg out at home from time to time. Since I don’t get enough sleep on the weekdays, I try to get some extra Zs over the weekends.

* get some extra Zs: 밀린 잠을 보충하다

ex> I really want to get some extra Zs tonight.

I also like to catch up on TV dramas and talk shows.

* catch up on: (밀린 것을) 보충하다

ex> I need to catch up on some paperwork.

Every channel has VOD services, so I can watch TV programs whenever I want to. I also like to spend some time on social networking sites. I read postings by other people and click on pictures and clips they've posted up. It’s an easy way to chill out and kill time.

* chill out (= veg out): 시간을 때우다, 휴식을 취하다

ex> Sometimes, I just want to chill out by myself.

I also chat in group chat rooms on my cell phone. Overall, I really enjoy these moments where I can get my mind off of things at home.

* get one’s mind off of things: 머리를 식히다

ex> I took a coffee break to get my mind off of things. 

@ I’m just chilling.  그냥 쉬고 있어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I’m usually cooped up at home during weekends.

2. You need to get some extra Zs.

3. I’m going to chill out at home.

4. I went for a walk to get my mind off of things.

@ Related Topics>> Relaxing at Home (2010.10.26)

PE 6/19 Christchurch, NZ, Time for Bungee Jumping!

Don’t be such a wet blanket! Just sign the waiver and we’ll be next in line to jump.

* a wet blanket: someone who is not fun to be around

ex> No one likes a wet blanket at a birthday party.

Note> A literal wet blanket is a blanket dampened with water to extinguish a fire.

How about this: you go first and if I don’t lose my lunch watching you, I’ll sign the form.

* lose one’s lunch: to vomit; throw up

= barf; throw chucks

ex> The bumpy plane ride made Jake lose his lunch.

That’s no fun! I want to be on the platform when you launch yourself into the void!

You’re acting so brave, but I don’t see you signing the form either. Put your money where your mouth is!

* put one’s money where one’s mouth is: take action to support one’s claims

ex> If you think you’re so fast, put your money where your mouth is and race me to the other side of the pool.

ex> Oprah didn't just talk about changing the world, she put her money where her mouth was.

You’re all talk and no action! That’s it, I’m going to do it just to show you who the real chicken is here.

* all talk and no action: a way to describe a person who boasts about things that he/she never does

ex> She says that she will climb Mt. Everest, but she is all talk and no action.

* a chicken: a person who is afraid of everything

ex> Sam is such a chicken – he is even afraid of puppies and kittens.

PE 6/18 Getting the Corner Office

I guess that means you get the corner office – the most sought-after piece of real estate in any office.

* sought-after: desired; coveted

ex> After Picasso died, his paintings were the most sought-after works of art in the world.

You’re going to be up to your eyeballs in work for a while, just getting up to speed. What kind of personal touch are you going to add in here?

* up to one’s eyeballs in: overwhelmed or excessively busy with something

ex> The freelancer was up to his eyeballs in writing and editing projects.

* personal touch: the addition of one’s personality to something

ex> As a personal touch, my girlfriend used to kiss the notes she left for me with her lipstick.

Very funny, but I think you should wait to decorate it with “leisure class” items until you find out how much of a raise you’re getting.

* leisure class: the extremely wealthy who do not have to work

ex> The leisure class can never understand the problems of the working poor.

Oh, I already found out what my raise will be. Let’s just say I won’t be buying a boat anytime soon.

* let’s just say… : an indirect way of answering a question without stating the obvious.

ex> A: Do you like ice cream?  B: Let’s just say there’s no room in my freezer for anything else.

6/18 What motivates you the most in life?

I always try to motivate myself in my life.

ex> You need to motivate yourself more.

ex> Setting a goal is a good way to motivate yourself.

First, I really want to become good at what I do. That’s probably the biggest motivation I have. I try to make the most out of my time.

* make the most out of: ~을 최대한 활용하다

ex> You should make the most out of what you have.

I also try to use every opportunity to make a difference in what I do.

* make a difference: 변화시키다

ex> We try our best to make a difference.

Next, my family is also a big motivation in life. I would like to support my parents better and I want the best for my wife and children.

* want the best for: ~에게 가장 좋은 것을 해 주고 싶다

ex> All parents want the best for their children.

That’s why I try extra hard in life. Frankly speaking, money is also not a small motivation. It shouldn't be the ultimate goal, but it is definitely a driving force in my life. Overall, I try to stay positive as much as I can to live a happy life.

ex> A romantic relationship can be a driving force in one’s life.

@ You’re on the short list.  너 최종 후보자 명단에 올랐어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. You need to make the most out of your time.

2. I’m trying to make a difference through what I’m doing now.

3. I want the best for my family.

4. Money can be a driving force in one’s life.

6/17 Are you forgetful?

I get forgetful from time to time.

ex> People tend to get more forgetful as they get older.

I tend to misplace my belongings quite often.

ex> She tends to misplace her belongings very easily.

I don’t remember where I put my keys or wallet. The remote control gets lost all the time as well. I end up turning the living room upside down trying to find where it is.

* turn something upside down: 발칵 뒤집어 놓다

ex> The policemen turned the area upside down to find the suspect.

I once found it in the fridge. I also leave things behind quite often.

* leave something behind: ~을 두고 오다

ex> I often leave my glasses behind at the office.

I've left my umbrella behind so many times. I also leave my cell phone behind in the car. I have to go all the way back to the parking lot to get it. Plus, there are times when I forget things that I have to do. I forget that I had to meet someone. I always try to write things down to be less absent-minded.

* be absent-minded: 건망증이 있다

ex> I’m afraid I’m getting more absent-minded. 

@ Mark your calendar.  달력에 표시해 둬.

<HOMEWORK>

1. My mother gets forgetful these days.

2. I often misplace my belongings these days.

3. I left my wallet behind at the convenient store.

4. He is getting more absent-minded.

@ Related Topics>> Forgetfulness (2012.2.11) 

PE 6/17 Bill Gates Speech – Part 3

Discrimination is harder to prove, and people often don’t know what levers to pull to fix the problem. I know from my perspective, school reform is a hard cause to communicate. I’m inspired by the leaders who do it well.

She talked to me about the racial history of the Memphis schools, outlining the obstacles that stand in the way of improvement. She is a strong backer of reform, including our foundation’s teacher initiatives, but she was candid about the challenges.

* stand in the way of: to prevent something from happening
= get in the way of; interfere with; prevent

ex> Don’t try to stand in the way of progress.

* candid: open; frank; honest

ex> My family had a candid discussion with the doctor about my father’s prognosis.

Note> In photography, a “candid shot” is a photo taken informally especially without the subject’s knowledge.

She said that there was pushback, and that she and other school board members were taking a beating in the community. But they took on the challenge of making sure people had information and understood the reason for change.

* take a beating: to lose badly; be physically or verbally attacked

ex> The crooked politician really took a beating in the press last week.

Now they have widespread community support, because Ms. Hart and her colleagues had the skill and passion to make the case.

* make the case: to give reasons why something should be a certain way

ex> Susan made the case to her professor to let her take the test again.

The best school reform ideas in the world won’t make their full impact unless you’re on the ground arguing for change.

* make an/one’s impact: to impress greatly; affect someone or something in a big way

ex> My high school English teacher made a big impact on my life.

PE 6/16 Early Heat Wave

It’s hard to believe it’s only June and it’s already sweltering outside!

* sweltering: very hot weather

ex> The desert is known to be sweltering during the day and extremely cold at night.

I hope this isn't a sign of things to come this summer. I don’t know if I could stomach three or four months of this!

* stomach: to tolerate something

ex> I don’t think I could stomach sitting through another pointless meeting this week.

Note> Aside from being a vital organ, stomach (noun) also means an appetite for food and drink.

ex> I don’t have the stomach to eat anything right now.

You say that every year. You’re starting to sound like a broken record.

* broken record: someone who repeats him/herself over and over

ex> My five-year-old son is like a broken record when he decides he wants something.

This time I mean it. Look at this catalogue. We can get an above-ground pool installed by next week and it won’t be too expensive.

You've got a point, but I already looked into it. We would be on a waiting list forever and a day!

* forever and a day: a very long time

= for an eternity; for a really long time; forever and ever

ex> After forever and a day, we finally got our tax refund back from the government.

Maybe we should just get his-and-hers inflatable baby pools and try again next year.

* his-and-hers: a matching pair of a thing for a couple

ex> The teenagers wore his-and-hers sweatshirts to school.

6/16 Talk about things to be aware of when driving in Korea.

When driving in Korea, you always have to buckle up. If not, you may be subject to a fine. Passengers are also required to put their seatbelts on.

* buckle up / put one’s seatbelt on: 안전벨트를 하다

ex> Passengers are also required to put their seatbelts on.

ex> I always buckle up before I start the engine.

There are bus-only lanes that are marked in blue. These lanes are off-limits to regular vehicles.

* off-limits to: 접근이 금지된

ex> The place is off-limits to those under 19.

Drivers in Korea blink their hazards to say sorry or thank you.

* blink one’s hazards: 비상등을 깜박이다

ex> Blinking one’s hazards is part of Korea’s unique traffic culture.

NOTE> hazards (= emergency lights) 비상등, blinkers (= signal lights) 방향등, 깜빡이

They typically do this when they make a lane change. Hazard lights are also used to warn cars behind you of a sudden problem ahead. Plus, there are many traffic cameras in Korea. These cameras catch drivers who are speeding. They also catch those who violate traffic signals or who have parked illegally.

* violate a traffic signal / traffic signals: 교통신호를 위반하다

ex> It was the first time for me to violate traffic signal.

Also, it is against the law to enter a congested intersection when the traffic light turns yellow.

* be against the law: 법률 위반이다

ex> Gender discrimination is against the law.

@ Can you step on it?  좀 밟을 수 있니?

<HOMEWORK>

1. You have to always buckle up for safety.

2. I blinked my hazards in the dark to show where I was.

3. He violates the signals very often.

4. Sexual harassment is definitely against the law.

@ Related Topics>> Driving in Korea (2011.5.25) Driving in Korea (2010.10.13)

PE 6/13 Friday the 13th!

I already called in sick. I’m staying put today! You remember what happened last Friday the 13^th.

* stay put: to not move from one’s present location

ex> Your back could be seriously hurt, so we’ll need you to stay put until the ambulance comes.

You aren't talking about the fender bender we got in, are you? It was foggy and the roads were slippery, but today it’s perfectly clear.

Don’t try to convince me with logic! My woman’s intuition is in high gear today and it’s telling me to stay in bed!

* woman’s intuition: a strong sense of knowing attributed to females

ex> My mother had a strong woman’s intuition and always knew when something was wrong in the family.

* high gear: a more intense level of effort

ex> Zeck kicked his studying into high gear the day before exams.

Sorry, I’m not taking a chance with anything that could burn me today! I’ll just have the croissant and a glass of water – room temperature.

* room temperature: a comfortable degree of warmth

ex> To some people, room temperature is 23 degrees, while to others it is only 20 degrees.

Don’t be so glib about my fears! This isn't a joke to me.

* glib: insincere

ex> Shirley replied to Jack’s questions about her health with glib indifference.

ex> Your glib comments don’t make anyone think you are intelligent.

Notes> The word comes from old German and Dutch words for “slippery.” In addition to meaning “smooth” and persuasive,” glib can be applied to the kind of thoughtless comment that could get you into big trouble.

6/13 Talk about recycling in Korea.

Recycling is eco-friendly because it helps us produce less garbage and use less resources.

* eco-friendly: 환경 친화적인

ex> I’m trying to change my lifestyle to be more eco-friendly.

Recycling is very well-practiced in Korea.

* well-practiced: 잘 실행되는

ex> The volume-based garbage system is well-practiced in Korea.

In fact, it is required by law to recycle. People gather the recyclables and take them out separately.

* take out separately: 따로 내다 버리다

ex> You need to take out food waste separately.

Recyclables include things such as plastics, aluminum cans, paper, Styrofoam and glass. There is a designated area for recyclables outside your house or apartment. There are separate containers for each recyclable. The city collects recyclables on certain days of the week.

ex> I tend to be more productive on certain days of the week.

People also throw away batteries and fluorescent light bulbs separately. There’s also a separate container where you can donate clothes that you don’t wear.

* fluorescent light bulb: 형광등

ex> Fluorescent light bulbs are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs.

@ I’ll take them out on my way out.  내가 나가는 길에 내다 버릴께.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I try to buy eco-friendly products as much as possible.

2. The new system has been well-practiced.

3. You need to take out light bulbs separately.

4. The market is open only on certain days of the week.

@ Related Topics>> Garbage Disposal System (2012.2.10), Recycling (2012.1.19), Garbage Disposal System (2010.11.20)

6/12 Talk about garbage disposal in Korea.

Korea has a volume-based garbage system.

* volume-based garbage system: 쓰레기 종량제

ex> The volume-based garbage system has been very successful.

The more trash you produce, the more you have to pay. You pay by buying regulation garbage bags.

ex> The price of regulation garbage bags varies depending on the size.

If you don’t use these designated plastic bags, they do not collect your garbage. Garbage bags can be purchased at supermarkets or convenience stores. They come in different sizes, and prices vary according to their size.

* come in: 나오다, 출시되다

ex> The video game comes in different languages.

You can actually buy a garbage bag to pack things you've bought at a store. There are separate garbage bags for food waste. Koreans take out the food waste separately to designated containers.

ex> I’m in charge of taking out the food waste.

Korea does not allow garbage disposals under the kitchen sink. Plus, you take out the recycling separately as well.

* take out the recycling: 재활용 쓰레기를 내다 버리다

ex> We can take out the recycling only on designated days.

@ There’s dumpster outside.  밖에 쓰레기 수거통이 있어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. The volume-based garbage system is a very efficient system.

2. You can buy regulation garbage bags at supermarkets.

3. The brand new smartphone comes in various colors.

4. We take out the recycling every weekend.

@ Related Topics>> Garbage Disposal System (2012.2.10), Recycling (2012.1.19), Garbage Disposal System (2010.11.20)

PE 6/12 The Haka

Sophie, thanks for talking me into coming to the haka festival. I usually skip things like this – you know, dance and opera and cultural stuff.

* take someone into: to convince someone to do something they might not otherwise do

ex> The salesman talked me into buying extra insurance coverage for my car.

The way they painted their faces is really intimidating. That would definitely strike fear into their enemies.

* strike fear into: to severely scare someone

ex> The sheer size of the boxer struck fear into most of his opponents.

If this is the way they start a battle, there isn't much chance in catching the enemy unawares. I guess they relied on sheer terror!

* catch someone unawares / be caught unawares: to be surprised

= be caught off guard; be taken by surprise; be caught totally unprepared

ex> The pitcher was caught unawares when the next batter was a midget.

The book I read about the dance genre said that women used to sneak into the war haka. They really stirred up a hornet’s nest when that happened.

* stir up a hornet’s nest: to cause a lot of trouble

ex> You really stirred up a hornet’s nest with your comments about her weight!

Note> When people use the term “hornet’s nest” as an idiom, they are generally referring to the consequences of creating controversy or changing the status quo.

That sounds like a cock and bull story. How can a dance make you infertile?

* a cock and bull story: an unbelievable and sometimes elaborate lie

ex> The myth of Big Foot is a cock and bull story made up by a couple of guys over a beer.

PE 6/11 Telecommuting

I guess without all the extra hassles of driving to and from work, finding a parking space, and eating lunch in a restaurant every day, you were much more relaxed.

* hassle: 귀찮은 일

You guys definitely have your hands full these days. When will you come back to work in the office?

* have one’s hands full: to be busy to the point of being overwhelmed

ex> Everyone at the call center had their hands full on the day of the storm.

That’s what I’m here to find out. Mr. Primo initially signed off on six months at home. Then we would have to review it and make a decision.

* sign off on: to give permission for something

ex> “I’m not going to sign off on this transaction, so be prepared to pay for it yourself.” the accountant said.

I’m sure your results speak volumes. I don’t see why he wouldn't let you keep going.

* speak volumes: to reveal a lot of information

ex> Chris’s work for cancer charities spoke volumes about his character.

ex> This book speaks volumes about the attitude of the Germans during the war.

Well, I was on the management fast track before this, so I’m not so sure what I want to do if given the option.

* the fast track: a direct route to a goal or achievement

ex> The brilliant high school students was on the fast track to an Ivy League university.

You know, it will only get better as the triplets grow. You won’t want to miss a thing. To heck with a management position!

* heck with: to not care or be bothered by something/someone (a mild curse at sb or sth)

ex> It’s too late to change our plans, so why not say to heck with it and go anyway?

6/11 Talk about the ways of renting homes in Korea.

 There are two options of renting an apartment or a house in Korea.

ex> Most newly-weds rent an apartment or a house.

First, there’s something called weol-sea. You pay a deposit before moving in.

* pay a deposit: 보증금을 내다

ex> I paid a deposit and got it back when I moved out.

And then, you pay a monthly rent as you go.

ex> Tenants pay a monthly rent to live in their apartments.

The lease is typically for a year or two. The other option is jeon-sae. You pay a big lump sum at the beginning of the contract as a deposit.

* pay a big lump sum: 큰 금액을 지불하다

ex> I cannot afford to pay a big lump sum right now.

You do not pay a monthly rent though. You get the deposit back once your lease is up. Of course, there are lease contracts that combine the two ways. The problem is rent prices have skyrocketed in Korea in the last couple of years. There are many real estate agencies that help you find a home you want. You pay them a commission only if you do sign a deal for a home.

* real estate agency: 부동산 중개업소, 복덕방

ex> You pay the real estate agency a commission if you sign a lease contract.

@ My lease is up next month.  다음 달에 임대 계약이 만료돼.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I prefer renting a house to buying one.

2. I had to pay a deposit of 10 million won.

3. I’m paying a monthly rent of 1 million won.

4. You have to pay a big lump sum every quarter.

@ Related Topics>> Renting an Apartment (2010.9.29), Renting an Apartment (Power English, 2013.12.9)

6/10 Talk about financial ledgers.

Keeping a financial ledger is very helpful.

* keep a financial ledger: 가계부를 쓰다

ex> I've been keeping a financial ledger since I got married.

It helps me keep track of the money I make and spend.

* keep track of: ~을 꾸준히 파악하다

ex> This application helps you keep track of your expenses.

My spending consists of groceries, utility fees, insurance fees, and various bills, just to name a few things. I always look for ways to cut costs.

* cut costs: 지출을 줄이다, 비용을 절감하다

ex> It’s not easy to cut costs with my current lifestyle.

My ledger helps me organize my spending more wisely. It can also pick out things I can cut out. It helps me make payments on time as well.

* make payments on time: 제때 납부하다

ex> I couldn't make my payments on time last month.

As for my income, my ledger allows me to check that I’m being paid correctly. I used to actually log my finances my hand. But now, I use my computer for convenience purposes. I make use of a financial ledger app on my smartphone as well.

ex> We were divided into groups for convenience purposes.

@ I had to pay a late fee.  연체료를 내야 했어.

<HOMEWORK>

1. I've never kept a financial ledger in my life.

2. You need to keep track of your spending.

3. I’m trying to cut costs as much as possible.

4. You have to make your payments on time.

@ Related Topics>> Financial Ledger (2010.12.17)

PE 6/10 Bill Gates Speech – Part 2

When it comes to education – we know “what happens to a dream deferred.”

* when it comes to: as for something; when the situation entails

= as regards to; in matters of; speaking of

ex> When it comes to cooking, nobody is better than my mom.

* defer: 연기하다

States were manipulating the numbers to hide the problem. They were defining dropouts as students who started senior year and didn't graduate. They weren't counting the millions of students who never even made it to senior year.

* manipulate: 조작하다

* make it to: to reach a certain level, achievement, place, etc

ex> The hikers left while it was still dark so they could make it to the top of the mountain by sunrise.

When you think of the young men and women silently erased from the record – it’s nauseating.

* nauseating [nɔ́:zièitiŋ,-Ʒi-] : 역겨운

States got away with the phony numbers because so many people just didn't want to face the issue. They knew if there were huge numbers of dropouts, they would be forced to pick an explanation: either poor students can’t learn, or schools aren't doing a good enough job.

* get away with: to do something without anyone knowing

ex> The boys tried to get away with cheating on the test by using their phones.

* phony: fake

ex> The phony one-hundred dollar bill had a slight bluish tint to it.

It’s the other way around. Improving education is one of the best ways to solve poverty.

* the other way around: a reverse of the order; vice versa

ex> We used to prefer to call people instead of writing them notes, now it’s the other way around.

PE 6/9 Picnic Time!

Good call! We've got the lake in front of us and the rolling hills behind us. It’s picture perfect for a picnic.

* a good call: the right decision

ex> Buying this car was a good call, because it’s the best one we make.

* picture perfect: very pleasing to look at

ex> The day was picture perfect – no a cloud in the sky.

Note> Picture perfect means that something is exceptionally or especially perfect. It’s so perfect it could be a picture or worth a photograph.

Look! The ducks are swimming towards us. They must have a sixth sense to know that we brought some bread for them.

* sixth sense: intuition

ex> I've always had a sixth sense about when someone was going to call me.

I feel like we’re smack dub in the middle of the fairy tale with all these animals around us.

* smack dub in the middle: in the center of a situation or place

ex> The meteor landed smack dab in the middle of my backyard.

I don’t think you have enough of a sweet tooth to fall for the witch’s tricks.

* sweet tooth: a liking for sugary food or candy

ex> I never had much of a sweet tooth, but I do like fruit.

ex> My father had such a sweet tooth, he used to eat gum drops for breakfast.