2015年1月19日「モバイル英語学習」第 279 号(エッセイ ):How to Make Great Popcorn

Notes:
kernel 穀粒;
lid ふた;
*******************
Popcorn was first eaten in South America thousands of years ago, but it became a popular snack when the popcorn machine was invented in the U.S. in 1885. You can buy ready-made popcorn, but it isn’t as good as freshly-made popcorn. What is the secret to making great popcorn? First, cover the bottom of a pot with cooking oil and heat it until it is very hot. Add uncooked popcorn kernels, cover the pot with a lid, and wait. When they start popping, lower the temperature and shake the pot until the popcorn stops popping. Add salt and melted butter, and you have great popcorn. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
*******************
▼ Watch this video and learn how to make great popcorn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gkKIJFIJ0k

2015年1月11日「モバイル英語学習」第 278 号(エッセイ ): Leading Technology Used in Baseball

Notes:
referee (競技・試合の)審判員;
overturn 覆す;
ambiguity 曖昧さ;
********************
When acting as a sports referee, we can’t completely avoid bad decisions. However, technology is improving day by day, and an amazing system that can reduce the number of bad decisions has been produced. “freeD” technology can show not only an angle which is difficult to judge, but also the moment of impact of the bat hitting the ball. This technology has already been used for replays in Major League Baseball in the United States. Currently, video confirmation is limited to verification of home runs, but some people want to change this and apply it to verifying fair and foul balls and outs. If this is introduced, 89% of the bad decisions will be overturned. On the other hand, the ambiguity of human decisions is part of the charm of baseball. Some people criticize video confirmation because it is difficult to use for every decision, and it would lead to extended game times. Of course, it is good that the game is played and judged fairly, but a game which is judged entirely by machine may become a little boring. (written by student Mr. I, edited by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
********************