다반향초님의 이글루

9/5 (금) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:54:13 GMT

9/5 (금) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	모닝스페셜
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① The U.S., South Korea and China will meet today in Beijing to discuss North Korea's initial steps to restart its plutonium-producing nuclear reactor. ② Korea's household debts reached an all-time high of 660 trillion won in June, pointing to worsening family finances in light of the slow income growth. pointing to(가리키다, 표시하다-> ~의 증거가 되다) in light of(~에 비추어, ~을 고려하여, ~에 의하여) ③ President Lee Myung-bak said the government will loosen the string of regulations on the broadcasting and communications sector to create quality jobs and world-class media enterprises. loosen the string of regulations(규제 완화책을 쓰다<-> tighten the strings) quality jobs(양질의, 좋은 직업, 일자리) ④ Thailand's prime minister Samak Sundaravej has vowed to stay in office, but offered a referendum aimed at ending the political crisis that has raised fears of violence and economic chaos. ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- Philippine Government dismisses peace panel A panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, has been dismissed by the Philippine government. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on Wednesday that she sent the negotiators on their way, and that the government would seek peace with MILF through other channels. An agreement last month gave MILF more land for an autonomous Muslim region. However, the peace process was stalled when Christians in the area brought the case before the Supreme Court, where the agreement was stopped. Since then, there has been fighting on an island in the south Philippines, resulting in dozens of deaths. Although there is now a ceasefire, the MILF chief negotiator says, 'We reserve the right to defend ourselves.' send someone on his/her way: send someone on their way-~를 보내다, 돌려보내다, 떠나보내다, to cause someone to leave / send someone on something: to mail something you have to another place. send someone packing, through other channels: 다른 경로(통로)을 통해-> 다른 방법으로, (the government would seek peace with MILF through other channels-> 정부는 다른 방법으로 MILF와의 평화를 모색하고 있다) bring something before the court: 재판에 회부되다, eg) He was brought before the court and found guilty. The murderer was committed for trial. He was brought up on a charge of drunken driving. reserve the right to (verb): verb 할 권리를 가지고있다. eg) The management reserves the right to refuse admission. Plans for free English classes under fire in France Calling poor English a 'handicap', French Education Minister Xavier Darcos is receiving some criticism after announcing plans this week to offer free English classes during school holidays next year. The plan is a departure from France's typically adamant promotion of the French language. Two years ago, then-President Jacques Chirac made a scene at an EU summit when he stormed out of a meeting when another Frenchman began a speech in English. Darcos said of the plan, 'Well-off families pay for study sessions abroad, I'm offering them to everyone right here.' French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has admitted his English needs improvement, is e,xpected to support the plan. handicap: <스포츠〉 핸디캡(우세한 편에 주는 불리한 조건)/ 신체[정신] 장애-> (성공의 장애물) 불리한 조건, 악조건, 불이익, A hindrance, disadvantage, be a departure from something: departure: 출발, 떠남-> …에게 있어서의 (새로운) 시도, 방침[for]/ (…의) 발전, 기원[in], a divergence from previous custom, rule, etc make a scene: create/ make a scene: 한바탕 소란을 피우다, 야단법석을 떨다, 난리치다 to be loud and rude with other people or in public, be controversial storm out: (폭풍우가 몰아치다) 화를내다, 사납게 뛰쳐나가다, To be extremely angry; rant and rage *well-off: 순탄한 환경에 있는, 복받은, 유복한, In fortunate circumstances, moderately wealthy ------------------------------------- Today's Closing Tip ------------------------------------- You wined and dined me. -넌 나를 특별대우 해줬어.

9/4(목) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:54 GMT

9/4(목) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	모닝스페셜
------------------------------------ Today's Headlines ------------------------------------ 1. The won-dollar exchange rate has continued its upward swing for 4 days in a row. Meanwhile,oil prices have taken a plunge of more than $6 a barrel since Friday, and touched their lowest level in five months on Wednesday. * upward swing : 상승세 * take a plunge: 급락하다 -nosedive, plummet 2. North Korea is reportedly reassembling nuclear facilities at Yongbyon in protest against the United States' delay in removing the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. list of state sponsors of terrorism: 테러 지원국 명단 3. According to the UN World Food Program, an increasing number of North Koreans are now foraging for wild foods. North Korea is _expected to become a recipient of half a billion dollars' worth of UN emergency food aid. forage for : (주로 먹을 것을 찾아) 돌아 다니다, 헤매다 * recipient: 수령인, 수혜자 4. Declining birth rates have brought the population of elementary school children to its lowest-ever since the Education Ministry began collecting annual statistics in 1962. ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- #1 Controversial Aso may replace Fukuda as Japan’s PM Following Yasuo Fukuda’s sudden resignation as Japan’s prime minister, half of the ruling party’s branches are supporting former foreign minister Taro Aso, who has already run for leadership four times. Aso has not yet formally announced his candidacy for the September 22 vote, when party branches and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's lawmakers will choose a new leader. Aso supports higher government spending to prop up the economy, which some fear will reverse Japan’s work on cutting its massive public debt. Additionally, there is speculation that Aso’s hawkish policies will bring in other candidates to stall his campaign for leadership. Analysts say that there is a good chance the new leader will call a snap general election in order to make the most of any jump in public ratings after the unpopular Fukuda. prop something up ~를 지지하다, 지원하다 -to support it or help it to survive e.g.) Investments in the U.S. money market have propped up the American dollar. stall someone/something 막다, 지연시키다, 시간을 벌다 -prevent sb. from doing sth. snap election/decision/judgement/etc… 조기 선거 -early election make the most of something ~를 십분 활용하다, 최대한 이용하다 #2 Suicide rates among U.S. teens remain alarmingly high Although the teen suicide rates in the U.S. have taken a slight dip, they still remain higher than expected in a disturbing trend that has continued since 2004. Some experts have suggested that public health warnings in 2003 and 2004 about the use of anti-depressant medication may be correlated with the rise in teen suicides. In late 2004, the FDA ordered pharmaceutical companies to put black box warnings on anti-depressant medications’ labels, saying that the drugs could increase teens’ suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Prescriptions of anti-depressants and diagnoses of depression dropped soon after. A psychiatry professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago noted that the continuing rise is not just a coincidence, saying, “What's important is this shows us that the 2004 data wasn't just some blip on the radar.” take a slight dip 약간 떨어지다, 소폭 감소하다 참고) take a dip 수영하다 anti-depressant 항 우울제의 be correlated with ~와 상관관계가 있다, 상호 연관성이 있다 black box warning 매우 강력한 경고 문구 (주로 심한 부작용 등을 적어놓은 것) =black label warning *a blip on the radar 레이더 화면 위에 나타나는 작고 깜박거리는 점, --> 무시해도 될 만한 사소한 일, 크게 걱정하지 않아도 되는 일 --------------------------------------- Today's closing tip --------------------------------------- Please don't dog-ear this book. -책장 접지마

9/3 (수) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:39 GMT

9/3 (수) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	모닝스페셜
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① President Lee Myung-bak yesterday instructed the Cabinet to rev up housing redevelopment and reconstruction projects in order to help boost job creation. rev up(활성화시키다다, 힘을 불어넣다, stimulate) boost job creation(일자리, 고용창출을 늘리다) ② The government will carry out projects to help about 460-thousand low-income credit delinquents repay their debts through a phased credit recovery program. carry out(implement, [계획 따위]를 실행에 옮기다, 본격화하다) credit recovery program(신용회복프로그램) ③ After the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, the Japanese government has reportedly decided to postpone a planned trilateral summit with South Korea and China. ④ Thailand's prime minister declared a state of emergency in Bangkok after anti-government protesters clashed with government supporters. The Korean government imposed restrictions on travel to the country. ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- #1. Government Declares State of Emergency in Thailand Thailand’s Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, declared a state of emergency in Bangkok yesterday in the wake of serious clashes between pro-government and anti-government groups. One person was killed and scores injured when a pro-government mob armed with knives and other makeshift weapons marched on the anti-government protesters occupying Government House. With the state of emergency in effect, public gatherings of more than five people are illegal and the media is tightly controlled. To allay fears that the military will clamp down too hard on protesters, Samak has promised that troops used to enforce the law will be unarmed, carrying only shields. Adding fuel to the fire, Thailand’s Electoral Commission has ruled that Samak’s People's Power Party committed electoral fraud and should be dissolved. In the wake of: ① ~의 뒤를 밟아, 뒤를 좇아-> ② ~의 결과로서 -following or as a result of something. The airport lowered parking rates in the wake of many complaints from drivers who felt the rates were far too high. Makeshift: 임시 변통의 것, (일시적인) 대용품; 미봉책-A temporary or expedient substitute for something else, something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency To allay fears: allay-〔공포·의심·노여움 따위〕를 가라앉히다-> allay fears[a tumult] 공포[소동]를 가라앉히다, To calm or pacify; set to rest Clamp down: (n)탄압, 엄중한 단속(crackdown)[on]/ 엄하게 단속하다. -to suppress (something regarded as undesirable), To become more strict or repressive; impose controls (clamp-죄는기구) Add fuel to the fire: (add fuel to the flame/ fan the flames) 불에 기름을 붓다, 격정을 더욱 부추기다 -to make an argument or a bad situation worse V.O.A. news #2. Indonesia Begins the Holy Month of Ramadan On the first day of Ramadan, pious Muslims awaken long before the pre-dawn call to prayer rings out across the Indonesian capital. Throughout the holy month, eating and drinking is a priority in these early hours because once the sun rises a day of fast begins. Meaning 'ninth month' the word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic term for 'scorched earth'. Participants must not eat, drink or have s,ex before the fourth prayer of the day at sun-down. For most Muslims it is a chance reflect upon those less fortunate. For the less devout Muslims, Ramadan is an opportunity to re-connect with their faith or an exercise in self-discipline. Food prices often increase dramatically because of increased demand for staples and speciality items. Across Indonesia, prices for eggs, meat and cooking oil grew by as much as 25% this past week. The government has urged retailers not to increase prices, insisting that food stocks are plentiful. pious: 신앙심이 깊은[두터운], 경건한<-> impious/ -religious, Having or exhibiting religious reverence; earnestly compliant in the observance of religion; devout ring out: ① (종을 치며) ~을 보내다 ② 퇴근 시간을 기록하다; 퇴근하다 ③ 울려 퍼지다-to send out a loud resounding noise ④전화를 걸다 a day of fast(fast day): (종교의) 단식일, 정진일, a day designated for fasting /to fast : 단식하다, 절식하다; (…을) 끊다. 2. (종교적 행사나 건강을 위해) 음식을 가려서 먹다 self-discipline: 자기 훈련[수양]; 자제, Training and control of oneself and one's conduct, usually for personal improvement /enforce[keep] discipline /establish discipline /maintain discipline staples and speciality items: staples: (문구)스테이플-> 주요 산물, 명산물; 주요 상품/ 주요소, 주성분(주식), A basic dietary item / speciality item: 특산물/ 특산품(delicacies) ------------------------------------- Today's Closing Tip ------------------------------------- Crunch time begins. -지금부터 업무가 집중적으로 몰릴 거야. (이제 바빠질 시간이야)

9/2 (화) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:23 GMT

9/2 (화) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	모닝스페셜
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① Weaker than feared, Hurricane Gustav touched down as a Category 2 storm on the southwest coast of New Orleans. It is not likely to deal as severe a blow as forecasters had warned. * touch down: 상륙하다 * deal a blow: 타격을 입히다 ② With the snowballing trade deficit, the won-dollar exchange rate surpassed 1,110 won on Monday, the highest almost in four years. ③ The government unveiled its largest tax cut plan yesterday. Under the 26 trillion won tax cut package, each Korean adult could save about 300 dollars in tax over the next five years. ④ Japan’s beleaguered and unpopular prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has resigned after less than a year in the job. His sudden resignation plunged Japanese politics into deeper chaos. * beleaguered: 여러가지 어려움/반대/비난을 겪고 있는 * plunge sth. into chaos: ~를 혼란에 빠뜨리다 ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- #1 Italy offers apology and compensation for colonial past in Libya To make amends for its 30-year occupation of Libya that ended in 1943, Italy apopogized and agreed over the weekend to pay Libya a $5 billion reparation package, along with other compensation. Libya says that Italian soldiers killed citizens and forced people out of their homes during the colonial era. Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi said of the deal, 'No one believed that a day would come when a colonial state apologizes, expresses regret and pays compensation for its colonization,' In return, Italy expects Libya to do a better job of helping it keep thousands of illegal immigrants from its coastlines at bay. Libya has mostly not delivered on previous promises about the problem. * make amends for sth. to sb. 보상하다 -make atonement for * colonial era 식민통치기, 강점기 * keep/hold someone/something at bay ~를 가까이 오지 못하게 하다, 막다, 저지하다 * not deliver on something (약속 따위를) 어기다, 이행하지 않다 -not keep a promise #2 Tenth U.S. bank fails this year Integrity Bank, a bank in the state of Georgia, became the tenth U.S. bank to bite the dust this year. The bank was done in by real estate loans, which were also responsible for its success. Integrity opened in November 2000, and was firing on all cylinders during the real-estate market boom earlier this decade, but got itself in a pickle when the market started going downhill. The number of bank failures in the U.S. has jumped this year due to many people defaulting on their mortgages. In addition, data released last week indicated that there are 117 troubled U.S. banks, which is the highest number in five years. * bite the dust 쓰러지다, 전사하다, 죽다 -fall to the ground, wounded or dead * be done in by ~에 의해 죽음을 당하다, (여기서는) 파산하다 -do in :죽이다 (inf.) * fire on all cylinders 전력을 다하다, 완전 가동하다 -used when talking about your very best efforts, also in terms of intellectual effort e.g. I fired on all cylinders for two weeks and got the project finished ahead of time * get oneself in a pickle 곤경에 처하다, 난처한 입장에 놓이다 -pickle =predicament * default on one's mortgage 주택담보대출을 상환하지 못하다 -default on: (대출 등의 채무를) 이행하지 못하다 ------------------------------------- Today's closing tip ------------------------------------- That's cutting it too close. - 그건 너무 빠듯해.

9/1(월) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:07 GMT

9/1(월) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	모닝스페셜
------------------------------------ Today's News Headline ------------------------------------ ① The 18th National Assembly`s four-year term begins Today. The regular parliamentary session will focus on reforming the tax system, easing regulations and improving people`s livelihoods. ② The Buddhist community held services at temples nationwide on Sunday after tolling a bell 33 times simultaneously in protest of what it called the government’s religious partiality. * toll a bell (주로 범종 따위의 큰 종을 타종하다) * in protest of (~에 대한 항의의 표시로) * religious partiality (종교적 편향성 =religious bias) ③ Tens of thousands of people streamed out of New Orleans as the city braces for its worst hurricane since Katrina. Hurtling past Cuba and into the US Gulf Coast, hurricane Gustav has already left 81 people dead. * stream out of(~로부터 쏟아져 나오다) * brace for (주로 공격이나 위기 등 부정적인 것에 대해 미리 대비하다, 준비하다) * hurtle past (~를 빠른 속도로 지나, 쏜살같이 ~로 돌진하다) ④ A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 135. ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- #1 Hurricane Gustav bears down on Gulf Coast New Orleanians are heading for the hills after Mayor Ray Nagin ordered an emergency evacuation of the city yesterday. With Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, President Bush declared a state of emergency in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. 'This is the real deal, not a test,' Nagin said, stressing that all who choose to stay behind accept all responsibility for themselves and their families. Officials have learned from their mistakes and are doing their best to avoid a repeat of the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It seems that people living in New Orleans learned something from Katrina too; many residents hit the road as soon as they got wind of the storm, without waiting for the official evacuation order. * to head for the hills 도망치다, 피난가다 – escape, run away * to bear down on something ~를 향해 돌진하다, 달려들다, 성큼 다가가다, 급습하다 - to move toward someone or something in a threatening way. e.g.) Another storm is bearing down on northern California. The car gathered speed and bore down on him, so he jumped into the ditch. * the real deal (연습이 아닌) 100% 실제 상황 – not an imitation or a practice drill. * to hit the road 출발하다, 길을 떠나다 – to start a journey * to get wind of something ~에 관한 이야기/소문/풍문을 듣다, 기미를 알아채다, 눈치를 채다 –to hear a piece of information that hasn’t been officially announced #2 McCain Names Sarah Palin as VP Arizona Senator and presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has floored political pundits by naming Sarah Palin, the virtually unknown Governor of Alaska, as his vice presidential candidate. Widely held suspicions that the decision was mainly a bold attempt to win over disillusioned Hillary supporters were confirmed by Palin herself during a speech in which she said 'Hillary Clinton left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America.' Although many have scoffed at the apparent inexperience of Palin, who became the youngest ever Governer of Alaska in 2006, she does have a reputation of being a giant-killer. According to Eric Croft, a Democratic state representative, 'The landscape up here is littered with people who have underestimated her.' * to floor somebody (~를 쓰러뜨리다, 때려눕힌다는 의미에서 출발해서) ~를 경악하게 하다, 매우 놀라게 하다 - to stun; overwhelm e.g.) The very idea floored me. 참고) Floor it! (운전할 때) 좀 더 밟아 봐! * win over ~의 마음을 얻다, ~의 지지나 동의를 얻다 - to gain the support or consent of e.g.) His robust performance won over his critics. * glass ceiling 보이지 않는 유리 장벽, 주로 여성이나 사회적 소수자들이 기업 내에서 승진 또는 사회적 지위 상승을 하려 할 때 겪는 보이지 않는 차별을 의미한다. - An unacknowledged discriminatory barrier that prevents women and minorities from rising to positions of power or responsibility, as within a corporation * scoff at someone 비웃다, 조소하다, 조롱하다 (mock, laugh at) * littered with ~로 어질러져 있는, ~가 수두룩하다 - to scatter or be scattered in an untidy fashion ------------------------------------- Today's closing tip ------------------------------------- A penny saved is a penny earned. -절약하는 것이 버는 거야.

8/29 (금) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:52:43 GMT

8/29 (금) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	정일생
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① The government is mulling over the idea of excluding some companies from the small and mid-sized business category in an effort to support smaller enterprises more efficiently. * mull over: 숙고하다, 곰곰이 생각하다, 궁리하다 =deliberate, consider * small and mid-sized business (SME): 중소기업 ② The Korean Council for University Education said the 'three-no' education policy banning universities from administering their own admission exams, will be maintained until 2010. ③ Senator Barack Obama was nominated by acclamation as the Democratic candidate for president, becoming the first African-American to lead a major political party into a general-election campaign. * by acclamation: 구두 표결에 의한, (특히) 만장 일치로 ④ Korea has issued a request to manage a special protection zone, known as a penguin habitat, located near its Sejong Base in the South Pole to preserve the environment. ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- Thai protesters continue occupation of PM’s office compound Thousands of protesters in Bangkok, Thailand have been testing the government’s patience in not using force to disperse them and make arrests. The protestors have occupied Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s office compound since Tuesday. They have demanded Samak’s resignation, saying that he is a stand-in for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup two years ago. One Bangkok police spokesperson warned, “There are many people who are not aware that what they are doing is illegal and they will be brought to justice.” However, one of the leaders of the protesters said that they would not leave the compound, and even took a jab at former PM Thaksin by saying, “If we were afraid, we would flee abroad.” Thaksin had been traveling abroad during the coup in 2006. test one’s patience: ~의 인내를 시험하다 (Thousands of protesters have been testing the government’s patience in not using force to disperse them and make arrests.-> 정부의 인내심을 테스트하다) -lose one's patience 인내심을 잃다. -run out of patience 인내심이 다하다 stand-in: : (영화배우의) 대역, 스탠드인, 대리인; 대용품 (여러 영문기사에서는 ‘puppet'으로 쓰기도..), A substitute, (movies)One who substitutes for an actor while the lights and camera are adjusted or during hazardous action. eg) My assistant will stand in for me while I'm away(meaning sub) bring to justice: 재판에 회부하다, 법에 따라 처벌하다 bring a person to justice-남을 재판에 회부하다; 법에 따라 처벌하다) eg) he has repeatedly refused to bring to justice take a jab at someone: jab: (날쌔게) 찌르기, 겹찌르기, 갑작스런 통증, 따끔한 것-> take a jab at a person -남을 모욕하다 =insult Computer worm hits International Space Station Although not as terrifying as the situations in the Aliens series of sci-fi horror movies, a computer virus in space has been a cause for alarm in NASA. The space agency has confirmed that laptops which were brought aboard the International Space Station in July were infected with a malware worm virus that steals computer gamers’ passwords. Although the virus’ usual stomping grounds are popular Asian on-line games, some analysts guess that it may have hitched a ride to space through an un-scanned flash or USB drive an astronaut brought aboard. Fortunately, the ISS has no direct access to the internet, and all transmissions to the ground are scanned before they are sent. NASA has said that similar incidents have occurred before, and have never been more than just a nuisance. cause for alarm: 놀랄이유, 경고 eg) There's no cause for alarm. malware worm virus: Malware: Software that is written and distributed for malicious purposes, such as impairing or destroying computer systems. Computer viruses are malware stomping grounds: stomp- (발로) 쿵쿵거리다-> 여기서는, ‘주 무대’ 혹은 ‘주로 하는일’ (the virus’ usual stomping grounds are popular Asian on-line games) someone's stamping/stomping ground: a place where you regularly spend a lot of time hitch a ride: 차에 편승하다, 히치하이크하다->내용에서는, 우주에 함께 갔다. 란 의미 (it may have hitched a ride to space through an un-scanned flash or USB drive) ------------------------------------- Today's closing tip ------------------------------------- Let’s put it to a vote. -표결에 부쳐요.

8/28 (목) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:52:26 GMT

8/28 (목) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	정일생
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① Tens of thousands of Buddhists clad in gray Buddhist garb rallied Wednesday against religious discrimination by the government, saying eyebrows have been raised over its favoritism toward Christianity. clad (입은 =dressed) raise eyebrows： (눈썹을 치켜 올리다, 사람들을 놀라게 하다, 비난을 초래하다) ② Ten South Korean passengers were killed on Wednesday when their van smashed into a warehouse along a road in the northern Philippines. ③ A North Korean woman who posed as a defector and obtained information on the South's military has been arrested for spying, South Korean prosecutors announced Wednesday. ④ Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe says he will form a new government without the opposition party. Mr. Mugabe's move leaves power-sharing talks in tatters. in tatters: (누더기가 되어->여기서는 권력 분배 협상이 결렬되었다는 뜻.) ------------------------------------- Today's News Article ------------------------------------- Russia recognizes breakaway Georgian regions as independent states Along with declaring the independence of breakaway pro-Russian regions in Georgia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia on Tuesday, Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also warned that Russia would go to any lengths to defend them. Western governments are criticizing Russia for complicating diplomacy, with U.S. Foreign Secretary David Miliband stating that Georgia’s independence and territory could not be decreed by Russia. Russia’s envoy to NATO likened the situation to the eve of World War One by comparing Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to the assassin Gavrilo Princip. However, Russia’s foreign minister seemed confident his country would ride out the storm, saying, 'I don't believe this should really be a doomsday scenario. I believe common sense should prevail.' go to any lengths 무슨 짓이든 하다, 모든 노력을 다하다, 어떤 일이든 서슴치 않다 go to great lengths to do something - to try very hard to achieve something be decreed by ~에 의해 정해지다, 법령으로 포고되다 decree : To issue a decree, To ordain, establish, or decide by decree liken (something) to (something) ...를 ~에 비유하다 To see, mention, or show as similar; compare ride out the storm 고난, 역경 등을 극복하다, 이겨내다 =weather the storm to continue to exist and not be harmed during a very difficult period doomsday scenario 지구 최후의 날의 가상 시나리오 《미국과 구소련의 핵전쟁 계획》 =worst-case scenario doomsday or domesday :　the day on which the Last Judgment will occur LPGA to test players’ English ability Beginning in 2009, the LPGA will require all of its golfers to have their spoken English ability up to par or have their membership in the pro golf tour suspended. The league has said that the move is not intended to shut the door on golfers from any particular country. Rather, they hope to make the league more accessible to fans and sponsors by having players interact with fans, media, and sponsors in English. Although there are 45 South Korean players out of the 121 players in the LPGA, the association’s deputy commissioner assured players that the LPGA is a 'global tour and is not targeting any specific player or country.' LPGA player Sun-Hwa Lee is working with a tutor to improve her English, and says that because the tour is losing sponsors, all the other players understand the need to learn English. up to par (골프에서 par는 기준타수를 뜻함) 표준, 평균에 달하여, 보통 상태인 at the usual or expected standard shut the door on ~의 길을 막다, 문을 닫고 ~를 들여 놓지 않다, 기회를 박탈하다 to make it impossible for something to happen, especially a plan or a solution to a problem make something more accessible 더 접근하기 쉽게 하다 =open the door for sth accessible : Easily approached or entered. Easily obtained target something/someone 목표로 삼다, 겨냥하다 =aim at to make a target of, to aim at or for, to establish as a target or goal ------------------------------------- Today's Closing Tip ------------------------------------- It can happen at the drop of a hat. -언제라도 일어날 수 있는 일이야.

8/27 (수) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:52:11 GMT

8/27 (수) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	정일생
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① North Korea says it has suspended disablement of its nuclear plants, in anger over Washington's failure to remove it from the U.S. list of terror sponsors. disable: 무능화하다, 불능화하다 in anger over(~에, ~ 때문에 화가 나서) list of terror sponsors(terrorism blacklist, 테러지원국 명단) ② The nation’s Buddhist community announced that it will hold a massive gathering today in Seoul City Hall Plaza, to protest against government officials' alleged religious bias. ③ Under the second phase of the government's public sector reform plan, 29 state-run institutions conducting research and development will be consolidated into 13 entities. ④ Four people have been arrested in the US city of Denver on suspicion of plotting to assassinate U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama during his acceptance speech. on suspicion of(~의 혐의로, under a cloud of suspicion) plotting to assassinate(암살을 음모, 음모하다) acceptance speech((후보 지명 따위의) 수락 연설) ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- Dokdo Ad Appears in Washington Post Gracing the pages of the Washington Post’s Monday edition this week was a full-page advertisement proclaiming to its readers that the Dokdo Islets are in fact Korean Territory. The ad, placed by Korean publicist Seo Kyoung-duk, came about after an internet user saw one of his previous ads in the New York Times last month, and proceeded to launch a fundraising campaign. Before long it had attracted around 110,000 Internet users and generated 180 million won in donations. The Netizens were also able to put their own two cents in by voting on which of three sample ads would be used. The samples were generously provided by a PR company and the winner, titled “Stop Distorting History” won by a landslide with 58.6% of the vote. Grace the pages: (grace: 동사-> 명예를 주다, 빛내다, 꾸미다)-> 출판물에 실리다, 광고되다, 간행되다 ? To make an appearance in a publication, appear in Come about: 일어나다, 생기다(occur)- To take place; happen /다른 뜻으로: - To turn around. - Nautical; To change tack.〈해사〉 바람 불어오는 쪽으로 배를 돌리다(tack); (바람의 방향이) 바뀌다 Before long: 오래지[머지] 않아, 얼마 후, 이윽고, soon !-> long before : 훨씬 이전에 Put two cents in: put in one's two cents(' worth) 혹은, add one's two cents worth 한마디 하다; 자기 의견을 말하다? To contribute to a discussion or decision, to give your opinion in a conversation, (often when it is not wanted) Landslide: 산사태, 사태-> 대승리, 압도적 승리/ landslide victory 압도적 승리- An overwhelming majority of votes for a political party or candidate. Ships to Slow Down for Whales A proposal unveiled Monday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) could end the dispute that has been raging between federal fisheries scientists and the Bush administration over possible speed limits for ships in areas inhabited by endangered whales. With a population of only about 300, the North Atlantic right whale is close to the brink of extinction. In 2006, the original plan called for a buffer zone of 30 nautical miles around several Eastern US ports in which ships would have to slow down to 10 nautical miles per hour. The new, scaled-back plan is for a 20-nautical-mile buffer zone to reduce the number of fatal collisions between ships and whales. 'We want the speed to be slow enough so that the whales have a chance to get out of the way, or the blow will be a glancing blow, and they will survive,' said NOAA Administrator Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr. Close to the brink: brink-> (벼랑·물가의) 가장자리/ (파멸의) 위기, 중대한 국면 -> 논란의 여지가 있을 위태한 순간에 가깝다 - near a crucial or critical point, esp. of a situation or state beyond which success or catastrophe occurs: We were on the brink of war, on the edge Buffer zone: 완충 지대; 비무장 중립 지대- A neutral area between hostile forces that serves to prevent conflict Scale-back: to scale back: 줄이다, 혹은 중단하다 - reduce proportionately in size, cut back eg) scale back his fighting capabilities/ scale back its nuclear activities *Glancing blow (언급 따위가) 간접적인, 넌지시 빗대는/ 비스듬히, 살짝 빗겨나가는 타격- strike sb a glancing blow 누구를 비스듬히 치다 -Oblique in direction; slanting or deflected: struck him a glancing blow. ------------------------------------- Today's Closing Tip ------------------------------------- It sounds too good to be true. -너무 좋아서 믿기지가 않아.

8/26 (화) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:51:49 GMT

8/26 (화) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	정일생
------------------------------------- Today's Headlines ------------------------------------- ① The leaders of South Korea and China agreed Monday to expand co-operation in political, economic and other fields including North Korea's nuclear disarmament. ② The nation’s Olympic athletes have returned home from Beijing. They received a red carpet welcome from their fans and paraded on foot to Seoul Plaza where a welcome home ceremony was held. ③ The South Korean won continued losing ground against the U.S. dollar, hitting its lowest level in 45 months, Monday. Investors shrugged off a sharp fall in oil prices, betting the currency would fall further. lose ground (약세를 보이다, 후퇴하다) shrug off(무시하다, 과소평가하다) ④ Russian lawmakers voted to recognize the independence of Georgia's two rebel provinces, drawing a parallel with Kosovo. The votes throw down the gauntlet to the West over its support for Georgia's democratic government. draw a parallel with (~를 비교하다) throw down the gauntlet (=challenge, 도전장을 던지다, 싸움을 걸다) ------------------------------------- Today's News Articles ------------------------------------- Chinese President arrives in Korea for summit Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived yesterday in Korea for a summit with Korean President Lee Myung-bak fresh off of Beijing’s successful hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Although protestors rallied in central Seoul demanding that Beijing grant refugee status to North Koreans who flee to China, the demands run counter to Chinese policy, as China currently has a repatriation agreement with North Korea regarding refugees. The issues of easing inter-Korean tensions and North Korea's nuclear disarmament were central on the summit’s agenda. Economic issues were also prominent, as China is South Korea's largest trade partner with total trade worth more than 145 billion dollars last year. Before the dust settled, environmental issues were also discussed, particularly since the yellow dust from China’s Gobi Desert that is a frequent springtime nuisance in Korea. fresh off of 막 ~하고, 갓 마치고 grant ______ status to ~의 지위를 주다, grant: to give (a sum of money or a right) formally status : Position relative to that of others; standing run counter to 거스르다, 반대되는 행동을 하다 to be the opposite of something before/after the dust settles 사태나 소란이 진정되기 전에/후에 if the dust settles after an argument, a problem, or an event which has caused a lot of changes, the situation becomes calmer. 참고) allow the dust to settle 상황이 가라앉기를 기다리다 Korea’s Olympic heroes return home Over 20,000 supporters were in attendance in central Seoul yesterday to give a hero’s welcome to the returning Korean athletes and coaches who participated in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. The team paraded on foot from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza, where it arrived at 6:40 PM to attend a welcoming ceremony. Korea achieved its best ever gold medal count in its history in the Olympics, putting it overall in seventh place in the world medal standings. It also vaulted several athletes to fame, as Korean citizens caught Olympic fever watching the athletes succeed. However, many of the Olympians are already looking to the 2012 games in London. Gold medalist weightlifter and holder of three world records Jang Mi-ran said, 'I will not rest on my laurels. To set new records, I must continue to practice hard.' give a hero’s welcome 영웅을 환영하는 듯 열광적으로 맞이하다. (=roll out the red carpet) 개선 장군을 맞이하듯 환영하다 welcome : the act of greeting or receiving someone or something in a specified manner vault to fame 유명해지다 (=catapult to fame) vault : n. an arched structure that forms a roof or ceiling v. to jump over (something) by resting one's hands on it or by using a long pole catch ______ fever 열병에 걸리다. (=go crazy for) fever : A condition of heightened activity or excitement A contagious, usually short-lived enthusiasm or craze rest on one’s laurels 성공에 안주하다, 이미 얻은 명예에 만족하고 더 이상의 노력은 하지 않다 to be satisfied with what one has already achieved and stop striving for further success ------------------------------------- Today's Closing tip ------------------------------------- It's a blessing in disguise -힘들어 보이지만 사실 감사한 일이예요

8/25 (월) Today's News Catch-up

다반향초 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:51:17 GMT

8/25 (월) Today's News Catch-up	작성자	정일생
------------------------------------- Today's Headline News ------------------------------------- ① South Korea has won a record 13 gold medals, ranking seventh in total medal standings at the Beijing Olympics, which ended its 17-day run Sunday. ② Consumer prices are widely projected by experts to surpass 6 percent in August, with some floating the idea of inflation over 7 percent. The country's high inflation is taking a toll on the economy. float the idea (생각 등을 제안하다 =suggest) take a toll (~에 큰 손해를 입히다, 타격을 주다= take its toll) ③ Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit South Korea today for summit talks with President Lee Myung-bak over ways to enhance the two countries' ties and cooperate for North Korea's nuclear disarmament. ④ Sleeves rolled up, Sen. Joe Biden made his debut as Barack Obama's running mate Saturday. The six-term senator from Delaware ripped into the Republican opponent tying McCain to the unpopular President Bush. roll up one's sleeve (소매를 걷어붙이다, 팔을 걷고 일에 착수하다) make one's debut( 데뷔하다, 처음 등장하다) rip into(~에게 험한 말을 퍼붓다, 맹렬히 비난하다) tie ...to ~ (연결시키다, 연관짓다) ------------------------------------- Today's News Article ------------------------------------- Biden Chosen as Obama’s Running Mate Senator Barak Obama revealed the identity of his running mate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election Saturday with a 3am storm of text messages and emails to his supporters. Delaware Senator Joe Biden, one of the most senior members of the senate, will be campaigning alongside Obama in the hope of becoming America’s next Vice President. The 65-year-old Biden, known for his working class straight-talk and sharp tongue, should be able to win over voters who see Obama as elitist and inexperienced. Vice Presidential nominees traditionally play the role of attack dog and Biden wasted no time Saturday harshly criticizing McCain for his recent embarrassing admission that he was not sure how many houses he owns. In his speech Obama praised Biden, saying 'He's an expert on foreign policy whose heart and values are rooted firmly in the middle class. He has stared down dictators and spoken out for America's cops and firefighters.' Running mate 러닝 메이트 두 관직을 동시에 뽑는 선거제도에서 하위 관직의 선거에 출마한 입후보자를 일컫는 정치용어. 미국의 정·부통령 선거에서 부통령 입후보자를 가리키는 말 (경마) 보조를 맞추기 위해 같이 뛰는 말 a candidate running for a subordinate place on a ticket; especially :the candidate for vice-president Sharp tongue 독설, 험한 말, 입 사나운 사람 The practice or characteristic of speaking to others in a harsh, critical, or insulting manner Attack dog 전투견, 남에게 험한 말을 잘하기로 악명 높은 사람 a person noted for harsh, personal, and usually public verbal attacks against others Firmly Rooted 깊게 뿌리박혀 있는 strongly connected to a position or location. The Nose Knows Danger Swiss researchers have announced that they have finally discovered the function of a structure in the nose known as the Grueneberg ganglion. 'What’s that? 'you ask? Well it turns out that all mammals may literally have a nose for danger. In mice, the Grueneberg ganglion seems to act as an alarm pheromone sensor. When the researchers put some alarm pheromones in normal mice’s water, they ran to the corner and cowered in fear. However, mice that had had their Grueneberg ganglions removed were oblivious to the smell and continued to wander around the cage, blissfully unaware of the apparent danger. Scientists are still stumped as to what these alarm chemicals actually look like and where they come from but even so, the research is nothing to sniff at. Do humans also respond to similar smells? 'We probably yell out instead of waiting for a chemical signal' says Minghong Ma, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Have a nose for something 낌새를 잘 맡다, 물건 등을 잘 찾아내는 능력이 있다. to be good at finding a particular kind of thing. eg) Like any good newspaper journalist, she has a nose for a good story. To cower in fear 공포로 움츠리다, 위축되다 to be physically shrinking, cringing or trembling with fear Blissfully unaware 모르는게 약 =blissful ignorance Ignorance is bliss. If you do not know about a problem or an unpleasant fact, you do not worry about it. To be stumped 질문 등으로 난처해지다. =at a loss to be baffled; to be unable to find an answer to a question or problem *Nothing to sniff at 깔볼 것이 아니다, 무시할 만한 것이 아니다 (sneeze at) important enough to deserve serious attention sniff at : 콧방귀를 뀌다 =turn one's nose up at ------------------------------------- Today's Closing Tip ------------------------------------- There are so many loose ends to tie up. 해결해야 할 일들이 너무 많아.