RANDALL CYBER ACADEMIS PURPOSES

listening an queizzes for acedemic purposes

Listening Quizzes for Academic Purposes
RANDALL

Narrator: Arches National Park is located in the dry desert of Southeastern Utah just north of the city of Moab. This park is home to over 2,000 natural arches carved from sandstone layers by wind, water, and erosion. Local and international visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of these natural wonders throughout the year. Some formations are just off the road and are accessible to all people within a short distance on well-traveled trails; other arches can only be reached by driving distances on four-wheel drive roads or after long strenuous hikes along sandy washes.
Like any hike of this nature, you should be prepared for the adventure in the desert:
First, hike with a partner for safety and leave word where you will be traveling in case of an emergency. Personally, I enjoy hiking with family members and close friends.
Second, carry a cellphone with you. However, keep in mind that you might not get any reception, so don't depend on it.
Third, be sure to have the right clothing and footware for the hike. Light, breathable clothing is best during the summer, along with a hat and sturdy hiking shoes.
Fourth, carry plenty of water because you can become quickly dehydrated without it. Having a few snacks can give you energy, too.
Fifth, take a small first-aid kit with you, particularly on longer hikes in case you get injured.
Sixth, pack a detailed map of the area you are hiking, along with a compass and/or a GPS to locate your position. You might need them to navigate through unfamiliar terrain.
And finally, take nothing home with you except for pictures and memories. You can protect these areas by leaving all rocks, flowers, and other objects for future visitors.

Gary: Sam, could you review the results of the survey on leisure sporting activities again? We need to plan out our proposal for this Friday's business meeting.
Sam: Sure, Gary. I've summarized the results in the handout, broken down by consumer age groups and sporting activities. The survey was administered to 550 men and women between the ages of 18 and 55 years old, and the results have been compiled in the following age groups: 18 to 26, 27 to 35, 36 to 45, and 46 to 55. According to the results, the most active group involved in sporting activities are those between 18 and 26 years old, followed by those 36 to 45 years old.
Gary: Okay.
Sam: As far as particular sports are concerned, people in these two groups cited jogging as their favorite recreational sport followed by skiing, tennis, swimming, and cycling.
Gary: And what about these groups broken down by gender?
Sam: Oh, Gary, thanks for bringing that up. Men appear to be slightly more active than women in the 18 to 26 year-old age group, but women seem more active in the other three groups.
Gary: Hmm. Based on what you have said, I think we should consider targeting the 18 to 26 year-old age group more in the future. I also feel we should consider expanding our line of athletic shoes, particularly jogging and tennis footware. We also have to come up with a more appealing slogan aimed at this age group.
Sam: I see what you mean. However, when these results are compared with the survey carried out three years ago, we can see a growing trend among older consumers--those 14, I mean 46 to 55--who are becoming more conscious and concerned about staying fit. I believe this trend will continue, so we should focus on this group instead.
Gary: I see your point. Well, let's meet again on Wednesday to iron out more of the details of this proposal.

Randall: Hi Faith. Do you have a minute?
Faith: Sure. What's up?
Randall: Well, I just wanted to go over the schedule for Wednesday's orientation meeting to make sure everything is ready.
Faith: Okay. Here's a copy of the tentative schedule. [Okay.] Now, the registration starts at eight thirty and goes until nine fifteen. [Alright.] Then, the orientation meeting will commence at nine thirty.
Randall: Okay. Now, we had planned originally for the meeting to go until ten thirty, but now we have someone from the international center coming to speak to the students on extracurricular activities, so how about ending the meeting around eleven?
Faith: Fine. And, uh, then students will take the placement tests from eleven fifteen until noon [Okay.], followed by twenty-minute break before lunch. [Okay.] And, immediately after lunch, we have reserved a campus shuttle to give students a forty-five-minute tour starting at one thirty. [Oh. Okay.] We want to show students around the university, including the union building, the library, and the student services building.
Randall: Great. Now, how about the oral interviews?
Faith: Well, we're planning to start them at two fifteen.
Randall: Uh, well, teachers are going to be up to their ears in preparations, and they'll be hard pressed to start then.
Faith: Okay, let's get things rolling around two forty-five.
Randall: Okay, here, let me jot that down. Uh, could you grab a pen off my desk?
Faith: Right. Finding anything on your desk is like finding a needle in a hay stack. [Oh, it's not that bad.] Here, use mine.
Randall: Okay. And we'll need a hundred and fifty copies of this program guide by then.
Faith: Hey. That's a tall order on such short notice! How about lending me a hand to put things together [Okay.] by this afternoon so we don't have to worry about them?
Randall: Okay. And I think the manager has given the green light to go ahead and use the more expensive paper and binding for the guides this time.
Faith: Okay. So the interviews will go from two forty-five until, let's say, four thirty. [Okay.] I hope we can wrap things up by five.
Randall: Great. I think the bottom line is to keep things running smoothly throughout the day.
Faith: I agree. I'll pass this schedule by the director for a final look.


Teacher: Okay, Okay, let's begin. Hello, everyone. My name's Karl Roberts, and I'll be your teacher for this class, Intercultural Communication 311.
Uh, to begin with, please take a look at the syllabus in front of you. As you all should know by now, this class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:50. We will be meeting in this room for the first half of the course, but we will be using the research lab every other week on Thursday in room 405 during the last two months of the class.
Uh, this is the text for the class, Beyond Language. Unfortunately, the books haven't come in yet, but I was told that you should be able purchase them at the bookstore the day after tomorrow. Again, as you see on your course outline, grading is determined by your performance on a midterm and final test, periodic quizzes, uh, a research project, and classroom participation.
My office hours are from 1:00 to 2:00 on Wednesdays, and you can set up an appointment to meet with me at other times as well.

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Interviewer: Today, I'm interviewing nine-year-old Alex about her feelings on how people can help save the environment. So, Alex, how can we save the environment?
Alex: By saving water.
Interviewer: Well, how can we do that?
Alex: By not using too much water when we wash dishes, take a bath, and when we do other things, like watering the plants outside.
Interviewer: Oh, I think I can do that. What else?
Alex: When drinking or eating something outside, you should keep the garbage until you find a trashcan to put it in because littering makes our planet dirty. Do you like seeing trash all over the ground?
Interviewer: No, I don't. Do you have any final suggestions?
Alex: Yes. We shouldn't waste paper because trees are being cut down to make the paper. By recycling paper, we save the forests where animals live.
Interviewer: So, how can children recycle paper, I mean, everyday?
Alex: Well, for example, when I was in kindergarten, I used to save the newspapers so that I could things make out of them, like paper trees, instead of just throwing them away. Now, the children in our neighborhood collect newspapers once a month to take them to a recycling center.
Interviewer: That's great. Well thanks Alex for your ideas.

Hello everyone. Have you ever wondered what the weather is like in other places around the world? Today, I'd like to talk to you about the changing seasons in my city which was the assigned topic for this class.
First of all, the winter season usually begins in December and ends in early March. The coldest month is January, and temperatures can drop below freezing for most of this month. The city usually averages about 30 inches of snow during this entire, 3-month period. Occasionally, we have snow storms that can drop a foot of snow in a very short period of time. Winter activities during this season include sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Spring usually arrives in late March, and the temperatures hover around 50 degrees during the day. It is a beautiful season because the flowers start to bloom. It is sometimes windy, and this is great for flying kites. People in my city often like to go on picnics, stroll through parks, and play outdoor games.
Next, summer starts in June, as temperatures slowing rise to around 80 degrees. The summer in my city is very dry with little rain throughout the season, and temperatures can soar above 100 degrees in August. Fortunately, the weather is very dry with low humidity, so it is real pleasant even on hot days. Popular activities during this season hiking, fishing, camping, water skiing, and outdoor sports including football and soccer.
And finally, summer changes to fall in late September when the weather cools off, and the trees begin to change colors. A lot of people enjoy driving into the mountains and viewing the fall colors. It is also a time when people clean up their yards and gardens in preparation for the winter season.
So, as you can see, my city has a lot to offer no matter when you visit this area.

Hello and welcome to the university library. This taped tour will introduce you to our library facilities and operating hours.
First of all, the library's collection of books, reference materials, and other resources are found on levels one to four of this building. Level one houses our humanities and map collections. On level two, you will find our circulation desk, current periodicals and journals, and our copy facilities. Our science and engineering sections can be found on level three. You can also find back issues of periodicals and journals older than six months on this level. Finally, group study rooms, our microfilm collection, and the multimedia center are located on level four.
Undergraduate students can check out up to five books for two weeks. Graduate students can check out fifteen books for two months. Books can be renewed up to two times. There is a 50-cents-a-day late fee for overdue books up to a maximum of $15.00. Periodicals and reference books cannot be checked out.
The library is open weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

Well, good morning everyone. My name is Craig Stone, and I'll be your guide for today's tour of Kyoto. First, I want to go over the itinerary for the tour, so everyone can enjoy the trip without being worried about being left behind along the way. And no one has gotten lost so far.
First of all, we'll be leaving at 9:15 outside the main train station exit. That's in thirty minutes. Be sure to board the bus by 9:00 sharp.
We'll be visiting some of the most famous historical spots in Kyoto. Our first stop will be at the Golden Pavilion, a temple constructed in 1397. We'll be leaving there at 10:30. You'll have about forty-five minutes to stroll around the temple and its gardens.
Our next destination will be Ryoanji Temple. That's always a difficult one to pronounce. This temple is famous for its beautiful rock garden. We'll depart from the temple at 11:45.
Next, we'll have lunch from 12:00 to 12:45.
In the afternoon, we'll be making a brief stop at Heian Jingu Shrine, which was constructed in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto.
After that, we'll head downtown and stop in Gion. Many people asked me about different traditional shopping areas, and this is a place we don't want to miss. You'll have about an hour to look around, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the atmosphere of the entire area. The shops, the homes, and the restaurants. A very traditional flavor of Kyoto. We'll be leaving Gion at 2:30.
Finally, we'll visit Nijojo Castle, which was the residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun. You'll have about an hour to tour the castle, and we'll meet at the bus at 4:00.
Any questions?

Man: Okay, Mr. Taylor, let's go ahead and begin. First of all, tell me about your last job.
Mr. Taylor: Well, as stated on my resume, I worked for five years at Hi Tech Computers.
Man: Okay. Hi Tech. And what do you know about computer networks and operating systems including DOS, Windows, Macintosh OS, and UNIX?
Mr. Taylor: Umm . . . well . . . I did come in contact with computers every night at my last job.
Man: Hum! . . . And how about web site authoring skills? [Oh]. We are looking for someone to create and manage our company's web site which would include the development, configuration, and use of DOS, Windows, Macintosh OS, and CGI scripts.
Mr. Taylor: Umm . . . uh, web page, web page. Huh . . . I don't think I've read that book, and I'm afraid I've never used those CGI things.
Man: Huh?! And what about experience with Java or JavaScript?
Mr. Taylor: Well . . . I think I've tried Java at a foreign coffee shop one time, if that's what you mean.
Man: Okay, Mr. Taylor, I think I have ALL the information I need!
Mr. Taylor: Oh, and I really like computer games. I play them everyday.
Man: Right, right. Thanks Mr. Taylor. We'll be in touch.


Hello. Passengers of flight 17 bound for Caracas, with stops in Atlanta and Miami. The departure gate has been changed to 30B. Also, there will be a slight departure delay due to inclement weather outside. The ground crew is in the process of deicing the wings in preparation for departure. It also looks like the flight is slightly overbooked, so we are offering complimentary round-trip tickets to a few passengers willing to take a later flight. We should be boarding about a quarter to the hour. Thank you for your patience.

Newscaster: We interrupt our regular scheduled news program to bring you live up-to-date coverage on the civil unrest in the newly formed country of Karnak, where our man Stan Fielding is stationed. Stan . . .
Stan: This is Stan Fielding reporting live from the outskirts of the capital city. Just 20 minutes ago, rebel forces launched the biggest offensive against the ruling government in the 18-month conflict here in this country.
Newscaster: Now Stan, is this a sign that the peace process has been totally abandoned?
Stan: Well, so far, peace negotiations have failed, and any resolution to quell the civil war appears bleak at this point. As you can see . . . Whoa.
Newscaster: Stan, Stan, are you there?
Stan: Uh, yes, Bob. As you can probably hear behind me, rebel forces are also using heavy artillery to pound government strongholds around the city center. Rebel forces are closing in, and it's feared that they will be able to take the capital building before sunup where it is believed, many government officials are holding out.
Newscaster: Now, besides the heavy fighting, what other pressing concerns are there for the citizens of the city?
Stan: Well, since the beginning of the conflict, starvation, clean water, and adequate shelter have been the biggest daily obstacles facing the citizens of this torn country. It is believed that over 40,000 people, mostly children, have starved to death. Land mines have claimed countless other lives. Fortunately, no epidemics have broken out, but that is always a concern if this war lingers on.
Newscaster: Okay, that was Stan Fielding reporting. And we will keep you up-to-date as this story continues to unfold.


Program Host: Hi and welcome to our new show, Exotic Animal Kingdom, a program geared toward introducing animals to the young and old. In today's show, our young, but experienced, guest will introduce us to the fantastic world of bearded dragons. Welcome, Joshua. [Thank you very much.] Now, Joshua, I must admit that a beard dragon sounds something like out of a fantasy book. What exactly is a bearded dragon?
Guest: Well, here. Why don't you hold on to Bert, [Oh . . . Wow!] while I talk about him. [Okay] Bearded dragons actually originated from the deserts of Australia, and this is one of several species that survived in that climate. Today, beardies like this one are bred in captivity here in the US.
Program Host: Okay. And, so what are some of the essential things to know when getting a bearded dragon? I mean, can you raise one as a family pet?
Guest: Bearded dragons make great family pets and are very docile creatures.
Program Host: Yeah, he seems quite friendly.
Guest: You just need to know how to care for them.
Program Host: Well, what are some of the things you should keep in mind?
Guest: First, you need to have to right supplies: some kind of enclosure . . .
Program Host: Like, like a cage or something like that.
Guest: Yeah. [Okay] A full spectrum fluorescent light bulb and a basking lamp [Okay] , branches and rocks to climb on and bask on, a food or water dish, and something to line bottom of the cage.
Program Host: Okay, well, let's get down to some the basics. What are the dietary needs of a bearded dragon? It sounds like a very carnivorous beast. Perhaps, uh, they eat fiery hot Mexican tacos or something like that.
Guest: No, bearded dragons are omnivores. . .
Program Host: Now, Omnivores? What exactly is that?
Guest: Uh, creatures that eat insects, vegetable, and greens, the leafy parts of plants and their stems.
Program Host: Okay. You mean something like carrots or something like that. [Yeah] Okay.
Guest: Young dragons like Bert can be fed small crickets twice a day, along with some greens and shredded vegetables. [Okay.] And then as your dragon grows, you can increase the amount of greens and vegetables. [Alright.] And you can also dust the vegetables and insects with a calcium supplement to promote bone growth.
Program Host: Okay, and what about water? Uh, what kind of needs do they have for that?
Guest: Well, since beard dragons traditionally live in arid regions, they obtain most of their water naturally from what they eat, so you have to be sure to feed them plenty of vegetables that serve as good carriers of water. [Okay.] You also spray them occasionally with a water bottle or provide them with a shallow water dish. Whatever you do, but sure to keep the cage dry, [Okay.] or else mold and bacteria can grow that could make your dragon sick.
Guest: [Okay.], and finally, you mentioned lighting earlier. What do you need exactly to keep your beardie happy and healthy?
Guest: Having a full spectrum light and basking lamp are pretty key to raising healthy beardies. First, they need the simulated sunlight from the ultraviolet (UV) bulb . . .
Program Host: Now, is that the full spectrum light that you mentioned? Okay.
Guest: . . . to absorb rays [Okay.], vital to the production of certain vitamins, [Okay.] and the high body temperatures of a basking light to aid in the digestive process.
Program Host: Now, what kinds of temperatures are you referring to when you talk about the basking area?
Guest: Like ninety to a hundred degrees.
Program Host: Okay, and I don't think they need sun tanning lotion, right? [No].
Program Host: Okay, uh, so, perhaps, I could put my beardie in an aquarium and set him a window which gets direct sunlight?
Guest: Well, actually, you can even take them outside two or three times a week in the direct sunlight; however, putting them in a glass aquarium with exposure to sunlight shouldn't be viewed as a replacement for direct light or a UV bulb because the glass only filters out the sun light they need.
Program Host: Wow! I didn't there was so much to know to raise a pet like that. Well, thanks for joining us today.
Guest: My pleasure.


Well, for those of you who went out today, I don't have to tell you it was clear, but muggy for most of the state, with the high temperatures in the low to mid 90's. The city of Elkview had the high for the day of 97 degrees. And that's hot. I'm glad I'm working indoors today!
For those of you planning outdoor activities tomorrow, you can expect fair skies for most of Saturday with temperatures in the high 90's. However, things might change by Saturday evening with a storm front moving in. We can expect light scattered showers over the northern part of the state bringing slightly cooler temperatures in the 80's, but this rain should taper off by mid Sunday morning. It will be partly cloudy for most of the morning, but these clouds should move out by mid-afternoon.
Skies should be clear Sunday night for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the partial lunar eclipse. It should start at 10:47 pm. And that's all for today's weather.

love trees because they are an important commodity to the environment. They make life possible on this planet, along with other plants. I also love the trees' glorious display of colors in the fall.
I love trees because they have many different shades of green, so many that it's almost impossible to count. When I paint a picture of a tree I use many shades of green and many more shades of brown. My favorite thing about trees is that they always seem to have a glow around them.
I love trees because they always smell so fresh and clean. I like to go to the nursery because I love the smell of trees, it's so refreshing. It's a glass of cool water on a hot day, or a damp cloth on a hot forehead.
I love to plant trees. I love to dig through the soil to make a hole in which the tree will rest. I love to place the tree in the ground, making sure not to disturb the roots which will be the tree's support. I love to water the trees. I love to pour the water on the trees knowing that it will grow.
One of my favorite things about trees is that they are fun to climb. I started climbing trees when I was very little. My dad taught me how to climb, along with some useful tips. I especially like to climb my grandpa's apple tree. I love to wind through the branches, and climb to a board that has been placed there. Once up, I like to think and relax, or bring a book up with me. It is fun to let my imagination run away with me while munching apples.
I love trees in the autumn when they display their beautiful colors. In the autumn time, splashes of red, yellow, orange, and green decorate the mountainside. The maples go red, the oak and aspen go yellow while the evergreens maintain their beautiful shade of green.
Trees make life possible because they use the carbon dioxide and release oxygen which makes it so that we can breathe. If we exterminate trees, the effects could be fatal. There may be global warming, lack of oxygen, and we would definitely not have any lumber or paper.
Trees are very important to the environment. The beauty of trees makes me feel peaceful, and inspires me to make the best of myself.



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Narrator: Welcome to Space Radio Theater, your passport to the future. In this episode, the crew is under attack by an unknown source until it is too late. This episode opens with the crew members on board the Starship Quest.
Captain: Status, Commander Crdovi.
Crdovi:. Course looks clear, Capt . . .
Captain: Yes, Commander?
Narrator: The Captain suddenly realizes that Mr. Crdovi has disappeared from the bridge.
Captain: Commander? Computer . . . Locate Commander Crdovi.
Computer: Mr. Crdovi is not aboard this ship.
Captain: Computer . . . (BEEP BEEP). What was the status of the ship from one minute prior to his leaving the ship to one minute after he left?
Computer: Unknown aliens connected with ships systems. The aliens sent an electric charge through transporter system.
Captain: Bridge to transporter room . . . Lieutenant, please respond. Security, report to the transporter room immediately and investigate.
Narrator: Security officers, Lieutenant Mortia Adams and Ensign Greg Suzuki, ran down the corridors to the transporter room. Now, we take you to the transporter room.
Greg: Mortia? Look at this!
Mortia: Uh-oh. The Captain is not going to like this.
Narrator: Now, back on the bridge . . .
Mortia: Captain? Computer . . . (BEEP BEEP). Locate Captain Duroset.
Computer: Captain Melony Duroset is not aboard this ship.
Mortia: Mr. Greenfield, Mr. Ruto, you have the bridge and inform me if anything happens.
Mortia: Mortia to all decks. Please report to the cargo bay 3.
Narrator: A few minutes later, Commander Mortia has taken charge and is briefing crew members in cargo bay 3.
Mortia: As many of you are aware, twenty crew members have disappeared from the ship. Our sensors have detected a spatial flux. We're not sure if our members are being randomly transported off the ship or if they are being targeted.
Narrator: Suddenly, five alien ships appear on long range scanners heading straight for them. Mr. Greenfield, on the bridge, reports to Commander Mortia . . .
Mr. Greenfield: Commander, come in.
Mortia: Mortia here.
Mr. Greenfield: We've detected five alien vessels approaching at warp 8. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Narrator: Well, that's the end of this exciting episode. What has happened to the ship? Who are the aliens? Will the ship find its lost crewmen? Tune in next week for the conclusion of this exciting story.


We'd like to share with you a remarkable Christmas story: one of courage, life, and love.
Twenty-five years ago, Ray Anderson, a single parent with a one-year-old son, was returning home after running a few errands Christmas Eve when he witnessed a horrendous accident which took place when the driver of a truck ran a red light and collided with the car of Sandra Jenkins. The impact of the collision killed Sandra instantly, but her three-month-old daughter was left trapped upside down in the burning wreckage seemingly doomed to a fiery tomb. While others looked on in horror, Anderson jumped out of his vehicle and crawled into the car through the shattered rear window to try to free the infant. Seconds later, the car was totally engulfed in flames, but Anderson was miraculously able to pull the baby to safety. While the child came out of the accident virtually unscathed, Anderson suffered third degree burns over 80 percent of his body. Two days later, Anderson died, but his heroic act was published widely in the media. Anderson's son was soon adopted by relative, and the family moved to the East Coast.
The most remarkable part of this story unfolded only last week. Karen and her fiancee, Aaron, were looking through some old boxes in the attic of Karen's home when they came across some old newspapers clippings. "This is me when I was a newborn baby. I was rescued from a burning car, but my mother died in the accident," explained Karen. Although Aaron knew Karen's mother had died years earlier, he never fully understood the circumstances until he started to skim over the newspaper article. Karen continued to sort through some old books when saw Aaron absorbed in the details of the accident. Then she noticed, to her much surprise, tears swelling up in his eyes, and he began to cry uncontrollably. Then, in between sobs, he went on to reveal that the man that pulled her from the flames was the father he never knew. The two embraced and shed many tears that afternoon, recounting stories told to them about their parents.
What really drew their attention was some other details unknown to both of them until that moment. According to the article, Aaron's father was on a mission of love that fateful Christmas Eve in the process of distributing care packages to needy families in the area. That was a yearly tradition that he performed unbeknownst to everyone except two close friends. This he did because of his firm conviction that the best Christmas gifts came not from the gift received, but from those given, and that those acts of charity should remain anonymous. As it turns out, Karen's mother was also involved in similar volunteer work throughout the community.
In honor of their parents and the desire to share the gift of Christmas, Aaron and Karen have committed to carry on similar acts of kindness. While hardship, grief, and tragedy plague our lives, the gift of the love seems to transcend all material obstacles and brings greater hope for those downtrodden and low in spirit.
Merry Christmas to all of you.


Once a symbol of enormous economic growth, Japan has plunged into a deep recession with the burst of its bubble economy beginning in the early 1990's. This is, without a doubt, the worst economic crisis facing this country since the end of World War II. One wonders if Japan can see its way through the storm and overcome these latest doldrums.
In the 1980's, real estate prices soared to super inflated levels, and investors sank their money into the booming stock market. There seemed to be no end in sight for the land of the rising sun. Everything was rising, and the government, financial institutions, and individuals paid little heed to the warning signs of an imminent crash. Then, the bubble burst, and land and stock prices plunged.
The results of the crash? Many companies have faltered due to poor sales and bad debt, and have closed their doors. The domino effect on many financial institutions is that they must bear an enormous number of unrecoverable loads, which have resulted when companies, depending on profits from land investments to repay loans, have found themselves insolvent. Furthermore, many individual depositors, fearing a collapse of more banks and securities companies, have withdrawn their money in droves.
Attempts by the government to revitalize the sluggish and contracting economy have proven fruitless. Pump-priming measures including tax cuts and public works spending have done little to put the economy on tract again. What's more, the government's decision to increase the consumption tax from 3 to 5 percent in 1997 has had a devastating impact on consumer spending. As for the business sector, companies have tried various measures to streamline management, but other ill effects of such policies, including rising unemployment among older workers, have surfaced and have dealt a huge blow to the recovery process.
Japan's faltering economy has had an impact on other Asian countries, and some fear that the whole region will be drawn into depression. What will stem the tide of further economic collapse? For one, Japan must stabilize its financial system and take immediate and effective measures to deal with nonperforming loans. Revealing the severity of the problem to the public and foreign governments is an essential first step. A more vital solution might be to institute a permanent tax cut to stimulate consumer spending and confidence in the government's handling of the situation. Ultimately, this will encourage domestic demand for goods and services and will be the driving force behind much of the recovery. That's the bottom line. Of course, many more factors including deregulation will play a vital role in expediting economic stabilization and growth.
Whatever the case, action must be carried out swiftly and decisively. A passive and reticent approach to reform and change is what has hampered any improvement so far. Other nations have encouraged Japan to step up the pace of implementing change, but Japan must make the first step . . . or else we might be witnessing the setting of this great rising sun.


Commentator:
We hear it a lot in the news these days:
"Recycle newspapers and save a tree. Collect bottles and cans so they can be reused in the manufacturing of new products."
Protecting our delicate environment seems to be on the agenda of politicians, government leaders, and citizens in many parts of the world to show support for mother nature. The concept of green consumerism has gained momentum more and more over the last decade, and the public feels moved to pitch in and help. However, three essential keys needed to power this movement include a more informed public, the development of improved technology, and a greater demand for recycled materials.
Let's use paper as an example. The first step is to raise public awareness about the recycling process, to explain the kinds of materials that can be recycled, and provide ways on how to properly dispose of them. Local governments should educate the public on how to properly sort reusable materials from those, like waxed paper, carbon paper, plastic laminated material such as fast food wrappers, that can't be recycled very easily. Then, a system of collecting these sorted materials needs to be established. The Public interest might be there, but soon may wane if there isn't a system where they can take these materials to be recycled. Sometimes we become complacent when it comes to recycling, but when you speak in terms of actually facts and figures that everyone can understand, people become more cognizant of the problem. I remember reading one time that the energy saved from one recycled can provide enough power to operate a television for three hours. Give the public information they can grasp, and then you will increase your chances of gaining followers.
Second, technological progress has been made on many fronts, but governmental agencies need to step up their support for companies involved in recycling by providing tax incentives, low-cost loans, or even grants to upgrade equipment and to encourage further research. One breakthrough has been the development of a new manufacturing process that uses enzymes to help remove ink from paper in more energy efficient and environmentally safe methods. Recycling paper materials can be expensive in both monetary and environmental terms. The difficulty in removing print from paper, the amount of energy expended during the process, and caustic waste that is sometimes produced are costs that companies incur that are then passed on to the consumer.
The final key is to increase demand for the growing surplus of resources waiting to be recycled. This problem has appeared in various regions of the world where the technology to process the used materials lags far behind the amount being collected for recycling. There may be a great outpouring of support; yet the great stumbling block to implementing the second stage of this plan could be impeded by the corporate sector's inability to find commercial enterprises interested in using recycled goods especially when the cost exceeds those of virgin materials.
Recycling is a crucial link protecting our planet. The three keys mentioned are important ways to achieve this end.

On December 25, 2000, many people across North America received a rare Christmas treat when the moon passed in front of the sun resulting in a partial solar eclipse.
Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, and the moon's shadow covers part of the Earth, and a total solar eclipse takes place when the moon's shadow blocks out the sun entirely. What made this particular solar eclipse unique was that this event has occurred on December twenty-fifth only 30 times during the past 5000 years, the last time in 1954.
But people must be exceptionally careful when attempting to view a solar eclipse. Without taking precautionary measures, one can permanently damage the retina of the eye; however, there are several safe methods of witnessing this heavenly marvel.
First, you can view a solar eclipse by using eclipse safety glasses for filtering out the sun's harmful rays. They should be used when any part of the sun is visible.
Sunglasses can block out some of the sun's ultraviolet rays, but the results can be very deceptive. The eye's natural reaction to this darken state when wearing sunglasses is to make the pupil larger, which allows in more light and can intensify the damage to your eye.
You can watch an eclipse by projecting the sun's image on a piece of paper either by using a telescope, or easier yet, by creating a pinhole in a piece of paper and viewing the result on another piece of paper, thus called a pinhole projector.
Only during a total eclipse when the sun is completely and briefly covered can you watch the eclipse without eye protection. Even then, extreme caution should be taken.
In case you didn't catch this last spectacular eclipse on December twenty-fifth, 2000, there's no need to fret. Your posterity can record the next eclipse on Christmas in the year 2307, but only if they're visiting the west coast of Africa for the holidays.


Our country has come to a crossroad, and now you have the power to change the political landscape of America. As I have said time and time again, if you elect me to be your face in congress, there are several things I will do to ensure that your needs are met day in and day out across this land.
First of all, I plan on proposing new legislation that will invest more tax dollars in our public schools, not only to meet the needs of today, but to encourage developing minds for the future. Such new funding would be used to hire and retain good teachers, build and renovate new schools, and give great tax breaks to classroom teachers. To accomplish this, I am proposing no new taxes increases, but rather a rechanneling of our existing tax revenue to meet these demands. Now, the incumbent and his staff have been talking about this for years with little progress. I plan to change all of this now.
Second, economic development is on the minds of most of you, particularly with regard to our downtown area. For many years, economic prosperity has been neglected by current government leaders, and I plan to change all of that. I am proposing a city center revitalization project that would promote new businesses, new residential areas, and new open green areas to bring people back to the heart of our city. Current leaders have allowed the city center to die, preferring to invest in sport arenas in the outlying areas.
And third, I am proposing the construction of a light rail train system, to be built over the next decade, to meet the growing demands of better and more efficient transportation for years to come. My opponent and his administration have lacked the vision of long-term solutions, preferring to take a look and see approach. Such a short sighted stance fails to consider the needs of future generations . . . our children and our grandchildren. My generation doesn't want to be remembered for a road we build today, but for a more visionary transportation system for our future.
And finally, my opponent has cited my inexperience as a reason for why you shouldn't vote for me. However, I am not a career politician who has lost touch with the everyday needs and concerns of day-to-day people. My work as an educator and business owner has given me a unique perspective on the pains and challenges you face.
If elected, I promise to give my all to my elected position and make your issues and concerns are fully addressed at the local and national level.
Thank you.



Cosmetic or plastic surgery often evokes images of famous personalities wanting to alter their appearances through elective surgical procedures. However, reconstructive surgery is a procedure that makes a similar, but different impact on the lives of many around the world, and many of these patients suffer from either congenital defects like a cleft palate or from injuries sustained in accidents or as a result of animal bites. Some disfigurements can also be due to the effects of disease or infection. Yet, the individual with such defects often bares more than just outward physical marks: loss of hope and self-worth as well as acceptance are commonplace.
In the past, such procedures were only available in developed countries where the medical expertise and financial resources were available to afford such operations. However, a number of worldwide organizations made up of volunteers make regular visits to developing countries to provide reconstructive surgery to those who could not otherwise receive such care. In addition to the care they provide, these volunteer specialists also provide training to health care workers in these procedures so that local hospitals, nurses, and doctors can become self-sufficient.
The end results of such efforts have transformed lives: the patient now can live with some normalcy and hope for the future with less fear of being ostracized by neighbors and family, and the health care worker who performs the procedure perhaps feels a greater understanding and compassion for those who suffer from such defects.
There are many ways for people to assist in supporting these volunteer efforts. Although most people do not have the medical expertise to perform reconstructive surgery, they can still donate time, money, and supplies to such organizations. A quick search on the Internet can get you started.


Talk Show Host: Good evening and welcome to tonight's program. Our guest is the world-known Dr. Charles Adams, who has sparked a great deal of attention over the past several years for his research in the area of language learning. His new book, Learning a Language over Eggs and Toast, has been on the best seller list for the past six weeks. Welcome to our program.
Dr. Adams: Ah, it's a pleasure to be here.
Talk Show Host: Now, Dr. Adams. Tell us about the title of your book, Learning a Language over Eggs and Toast.
Dr. Adams: Well, one of the most important keys to learning another language is to establish a regular study program, like planning a few minutes every morning around breakfast time.
Talk Show Host: Now, sorry for saying this, but your ideas may sound a little simplistic to our viewers. I mean I took Spanish in high school for four years, and I didn't become a proficient speaker of the language.
Dr. Adams: Well , I think there are many people that feel that way, and that's just it. I'm not implying that we can become fluent speakers in a matter of a few minutes here and there, but rather following a regular, consistent, and focused course of study can help us on the way to the promised land of language mastery, and remember there is a difference between native fluency and proficiency in a language, and I am proposing the latter.
Talk Show Host: So what are some of the basic keys you are suggesting in the book?
Dr. Adams: Well, as I just mentioned, people need to plan out their study by setting realistic and attainable goals from the beginning. I mean, some people get caught up the craze of learning the language in 30 days, only to become disenchanted when they don't perform up to their expectations. And small steps, little by little, are the key. For example, planning to learn five new vocabulary words a day and to learn to use them actively is far better than learning 30 and forgetting them the next day.
Talk Show Host: Um-hum. Now you mentioned something about maximizing your learning potential by learning about your own individual learning styles. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Adams: Sure. People often have different ways of learning and approach learning tasks differently. Some people are visual learners who prefer to see models of the patterns they are expected to learn; others are auditory learners who favor hearing instructions, for example, over reading them. Now, our preferences are determined by many factors, for example, personality, culture, and past experience.
Talk Show Host: Well, Dr. Adams. What is your learning style?
Dr. Adams: Well, I'm a very tactile learner.
Talk Show Host: You mean one who learns through hands-on experience?
Dr. Adams: Exactly.
Talk Show Host: So, how does knowing your learning style benefit you?
Dr. Adams: Well, this might seem a little unusual, but moving around while trying to learn and memorize material helps me a great deal. While I cut up tomatos and onions for my omlet in the morning, I might recite aloud vocabulary to the rhythm of the knife. But it is important to remember that often our learning styles are not singular in nature, but are often very multidimensional, and we tend to learn differently in different situations.
Talk Show Host: So what is my learning style?.
Dr. Adams: Well, you're going to have to read my book to find that out.
Talk Show Host: Okay. We have just found out from Dr. Charles Adams, author of the book, Learning Languages over Eggs and Toast. Thanks for joining us.
Dr. Adams: My pleasure.

Moderator:
Hello Ladies and Gentleman. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our keynote speaker for today's plenary address, Dr. Howard Miller. Dr. Miller, Professor of Sociology at Washington University, has written numerous articles and books on the issues facing older Americans in our graying society for the past 15 years. Dr. Miller:
Dr. Miller:
Thank you for that introduction. Today, I'd like to preface my remarks from a story from my own life which I feel highlights our common concerns that bring us here together. Several years ago when my grandparents were well into their eighties, they were faced with the reality of no longer being able to adequately care for themselves. My grandfather spoke of his greatest fear, that of leaving the only home they had known for the past 60 years. Fighting back the tears, he spoke proudly of the fact that he had built their home from the ground up, and that he had pounded every nail and laid every brick in the process. The prospect of having to sell their home and give up their independence, and move into a retirement home was an extremely traumatic experience for them. It was, in my grandfather's own words, like having a limb severed off. He was quite emphatic exclaiming that he felt he wasn't important anymore.
For them and some older Americans, their so-called "golden years" are at times not so pleasant, for this period can mean the decline of not only one's health but the loss of identity and self-worth. In many societies, this self-identity is closely related with our social status, occupation, material possessions, or independence. Furthermore, we often live in societies that value that which is "new" or in vogue, and our own usage of lexicon in the English language often does not bode well older for Americans. I mean how would your family react if you came home tonight elated exclaiming, "Hey, come to the living room and see the OLD black and white TV I brought!" Unfortunately, the word "old" conjures up images of the need to replace or discard.
Now, many of the lectures given at this conference have focused on the issues of pension reform, medical care, and the development of public facilities for senior citizens. And while these are vital issues that must be addressed, I'd like to focus my comments on an underlying issue that will affect the overall success of the other programs mentioned. This has to do with realigning our perspectives on what it means to be a part of this group, and finding meaningful roles the elderly can play and should play in our societies.
First of all , I'd like to talk about . . .

July 11
I left on my trip today. Having been overseas before, I felt somewhat at ease with the idea of traveling abroad, particularly since I lived in Asia for a number of years. However, others on the trip with me felt some apprehension about getting sick (something quite natural) and had received suggested immunizations before leaving.
July 12
In the first city I visited, I traveled downtown by bus to have dinner and then went out to visit some of the local sites. I was surprised at the number of people selling their goods in different marketplaces, and I quickly figured out the custom of haggling over the price before you buy something. And even if you feel you're getting a good deal, you might try walking away from the merchant, and there IS the chance that the shop owner will call you back and even lower the price more in an attempt to get you to purchase something.
July 14
No matter where I found myself today, I noticed a number of people who just stared at me as I walked by, like I was an alien from another planet. Although it felt somewhat disquieting at first (particularly in the swimming pool locker room), I realized that my presence was perhaps an oddity with so few foreigners in that area. In fact, the people were just curious, and I was even able to strike up a few conversations with some of the locals, giving them opportunities to practice their English. In the end, I came to the conclusion that such situations gave me a chance to be an informal ambassador for my country.
July 16
Everyday brings new discoveries, and I'm learning how to navigate the road system. I found that crossing the road isn't as easy at it seems. Bicycles, buses, people, and taxis fill the streets, dodging each other with constant narrow misses, yet in many instances, the flow remains constant. And, in spite of the seemingly chaotic conditions, people go about their business as if, well . . ., everything were so routine and blase. I, on the other hand, tried to dart in and out of traffic to cross streets, weaving back and forth, to get to the other side. It was a little scary at first, but I quickly got the knack of it.
July 23
I am preparing to return back home tomorrow, and one thing I have discovered . . . something more important that all of my other experiences . . . has been that there are often more similarities than differences between cultures. Regardless of language and culture, all people have a desire for friendship that bridges any cultural boundaries. The people I have met have been wonderful hosts and friends, and I will treasure every moment of the trip.


Here are the top stories today:
A giant crocodile attacked a man walking his dog along a river in Australia. Fortunately, the man beats the beast back with a rock as the man's dog bites the reptile on the face. Both man and dog suffered minor injuries but are expected to recover.
Next, a huge tornado catches a woman trapped in her vehicle and carries her a quarter of a mile from town. The woman suffered a broken leg and minor neck injuries, but she was more worried about her cat swept away by the storm. She's offering a $1,000 reward for her feline friend.
In another part of the world, a man gets his hand stuck in a kitchen garbage disposal and is trapped for three days. His cries went unanswered until breaking the kitchen window and signaling for help with a fire extinguisher. The man said that his wedding ring disappeared down the disposal, and he was trying to fish it out.
And finally, a Canadian family of four gets lost trying to drive across a mountain pass in a blizzard and is stranded for a week, surviving on a banana, 10 cheese crackers, and a cooked ham. Temperatures dipped to fifteen below as the family stays warm by singing Christmas carols. The family is finally rescued after the father hikes fifteen miles to get help.
And that's the news today.