Notes:
bother〔…のことで〕〈人などを〉悩ます，うるさがらせる;
crack knuckles 指をポキポキ鳴らす;
fingernail 指のつめ;
sniffle 鼻をふんふんいわせる;
bubble gum 風船ガム;
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Are there any everyday sounds that you really dislike? A U.S. newspaper asked its readers which sounds bothered them. Number 5 was the sound of people cracking their knuckles. In fourth place was the sound of people cutting their fingernails. Number 3 was when people who have a cold sniffle. In second place was the sound of people popping bubble gum. The most disliked sound was people noisily eating soup. As you can see, this list depends on your culture. In Japan, it is okay to sniffle and make noise while eating, especially noodles. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Notes:
cockroach ゴキブリ;
Madagascar マダガスカル,《アフリカ南東海岸沖の島で共和国;
scorpion 【動】 サソリ;

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Valentine’s Day is coming up in about two weeks. In the U.S., people usually think of it as a day to give a present to someone you love. But how do you feel when your boyfriend or girlfriend says goodbye to you? Many people feel unhappy and angry. If you want to tell them how you feel, the San Francisco Zoo has the perfect present. The zoo has many animals, but it also has special cockroaches from Madagascar and giant hairy scorpions. You can give your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend a plastic cockroach or a scorpion in a beautiful red box. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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