Notes:
referee (競技･試合の)審判員;
overturn 覆す;
ambiguity 曖昧さ;
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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)
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Notes:
cautious　慎重な；
lead　先に立って行く；
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Next year is the year of the sheep. According to East Asian ideas, people who are born in this year are polite, clever and cautious. They look after their parents and enjoy a quiet lifestyle. Of course, they have their weak points. They tend to worry and cannot make decisions. In English-speaking cultures, we don’t have a good image of sheep. We see them as animals that cannot think or lead. All they can do is follow. Of course, we like their wool and their meat, but no one wants to be called a sheep. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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