Thursday, January 24, 2008

THE LEGEND OF THE CAY NEU (THE NEW YEAR TREE)


Traditionally, before Tet, Vietnamese people usually plant a bamboo tree in front of their house. Bows, arrows, bells and gongs are hung on the treetop with the hope that all the bad luck of the past year will be chased away, and everyone will have a happy New Year. The tree is called Cay Neu.


Once upon a time, the devil ruled the earth. Everybody worked days and nights for him but had almost nothing to eat because the devil seized everything, thanks to the rule "the root of the rice plant belongs to the farmers, and the rest belongs to the devil."


The suffering of the people came to the Buddha's notice. He descended to earth and told them to grow sweet potatoes for the next crop. Following Buddha's advice, the farmers grew sweet potatoes and took the potato root; the devil got nothing.


Knowing that he had been fooled, the devil gave a new order: "From the next crop onward, both roots and grown plants will belong to the devil and the rest to the farmers." In the next crop, people grew corn and took all the cobs. Again the devil was outsmarted. Therefore, he made up his mind to take all of the land back.


Because of the people's misfortune, the Buddha appeared again and told people to ask the devil to rent his land for gold, just a small plot of land enough for a single bamboo’s shadow. Stunned with the gold and believing that they would certainly be defeated, the devil agreed with the plan at once.


The Buddha used his magic to make the tree taller and taller and the shadow bigger and bigger. At last, there was no more land for the devil driven out to sea. Since then the people have been free to plant any kinds of crop they want.


Being deprived of his land, the devil wanted to retrieve his former land. With the support of wild and ferocious beasts, he let his subjects go to the village to plunder and loot the crops. At the same time, the Buddha appeared and advised them to make bows and arrows to kill them and make use of dog blood mixed with garlic and lime to splash on their faces. Thus, the devil was defeated and put back out to sea. However, he also asked the Buddha to allow him to pay a visit to his ancestors' graves every year.


This is the reason why every year when Tet comes, Vietnamese people plant a Neu tree in front of their house to ward off the devil. The sounds of small bells and gongs on Cay Neu remind us of man's right to own the land, and the bows and arrows tell us that they were once the weapons used to fight against the devil.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

THE GOD OF THE KITCHEN


THE KITCHEN GOD


About a week before the lunar New Year, on the twenty-third of the twelfth lunar month, the God of the Kitchen is transported to the Jade Emperor by a carp to report on the family's business during the previous year. The Kitchen God is considered the soul of a Vietnamese family, and the stove is where all is seen and heard. To encourage a good report, Vietnamese people offer him a sacrifice and burn his image on papers to send his spirit to the heavens.


THE ORIGIN OF TAO QUAN, THE THREE KITCHEN GODS


Long, long ago, in a forest lived a woodcutter and his wife. They were very poor, and the man became a drunkard. He usually destroyed the furniture and beat her. One day, no longer bearing it, she left him.


After having wandered in the forest for weeks, she met a hunter who was an honest man. He gave her food and allowed her to stay in his home. She helped him to look after the house, and then, after some time, they were married. They lived happily together, and it seemed that the woman had forgot her previous marriage.


One day, while the hunter was hunting in the forest, a beggar came to his door and asked his wife for food. Suddenly, they recognized each other, and shared many things happening during the time they lived apart. They were talking when the woman heard the steps of her returning husband. They became panic, and quickly she hid the former husband under a haycock.


As soon as the hunter arrived home, he prepared to roast his game in the haycock without knowing that the beggar was in it. When the haycock caught fire, the poor woman was torn with grief. She realized that her former husband was meeting death for her sake and that she did not want. Hesitating for no longer than a moment, she threw herself into the fire in order to die with him.


The hunter cried out in dismay when he saw what his wife had done. He tried to pull her back but was unable to do so. Thinking that his doing had driven her to such desperation, he also jumped into fire, preferring dying with her to living without her.


When the Emperor of Jade learned of this touching story, he was moved and deified them the Three Kitchen Gods, who would take care of the family affairs. Every year, one must report what have happened in the family to the Jade Emperor.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

IMPORTANT DAYS OF THE YEAR


THE YEAR OF THE RAT


The RatBeing born a Rat is nothing to be ashamed of. In China, the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person. It is deemed an honor to be born in the Year of the Rat and it is considered a privilege to be associated with a Rat. Rats know exactly where to find solutions and can take care of themselves and others without problems. They use their instinctive sense of observation to help others in times of need and are among the most fit of all the Animal signs to survive most any situation.


YEARS OF THE RAT


First in the cycle, Rat Years begin the sequence and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Rat year actually begins.


THE SIGN OF THE RAT


Being born under this sign determines many talents, as well as other characteristics that may not be so commendable. Rats are very lively and need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They can be calm and perceptive, but sometimes their brains can cause a mental restlessness, tempting them to take on too much, only to discover they are unable to meet their commitments. Rats are blessed with one of the best intellects going. Add to their intelligence a curiosity and a bright imagination, and they seem as sharp as a needle.


The sign of the Rat is the first sign in the cycle giving Rat people exude great leadership qualities and are good at taking the lead. They don't mind a lot of responsibility and they demonstrate a strong presence that other people respect. For those with the Rat nature, status and monetary satisfaction are the greatest motivation.


RAT FACTS:


People born in the Year of the Rat share certain characteristics. The Rat sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual's personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Rat. First in order, Chinese name-SHU, sign of charmHour-11pm-12:59am Month-DecemberWestern Counterpart-Sagittarius.


CHARACTERISTICS


Smart, Magnetic, Well-liked, Affable, Quick-witted, Surreptitious, Selfish, Protective, Calculating


IN YOUR ELEMENT


The characteristics of the Rat Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.


THE METAL RAT 1900 AND 1960


Of all the Rats, these are the toughest and most resolute. They are visionary and possess an emotional intensity that can lead to feelings of rage, envy, or possessiveness. They like to be in charge, and can act selfishly to get what they want. In relationships, business or personal, they can be obstinate. Metal rats have to bear in mind that meeting their partner halfway would help their relationships tremendously. They take great pride in their homes and enjoy decorating them in their impressively good taste.


THE WATER RAT 1912 AND 1972


Being guided by the Water element means these Rats have a knack for influencing people. With their strong intellectual powers and great insight, they are also great puzzle solvers. They are quick to understand others and are incredibly practical people. Rats apply their talents to their everyday lives, making them obliging, generous and compassionate to other people. Generally, they are liked and respected by everyone. Like all Rats, however, they can be determined to seek their own gain, and will not mind using these talents to achieve it - though generally without losing anyone's respect in doing so.


THE WOOD RAT 1924 AND 1984


Despite having a remarkable facade of self-confidence, deep down, Wood Rats are the least sure of themselves compared to other Rats. However, they wouldn't dream of showing this side of themselves to anyone. Only close companions of a Wood Rat would ever suspect that he or she had such self-doubt. In fact Wood Rats are often worried about downfall, despite their ability to find success. Well-liked, proficient, and good leaders at work, Wood Rats seem to function best when they are surrounded by family and friends. Cordial and delicate, they are usually well loved by family, friends and peers.


THE FIRE RAT 1936 AND 1996


Fire adds a bit of spontaneity and vigor to the already spirited Rat. These Rats like change and travel and are eager to start new projects or to take trips to exotic places. Fire Rats are likely to change their occupations and residences more often than most, and essentially shun any kind of routine. They can be anxious and impulsive, but their zest for life is quite irresistible, and they have the Rat's ability to along so well with others. Compared to other Rats, Fire Rats are likely to be more charitable, autonomous, and energetic and the least self-controlled.


THE EARTH RAT 1948 AND 2008


The Earth adds solidity to the Rat's personality. An Earth Rat is conventional and a good achiever who likes to establish roots early in order to make a secure future for himself and his family. These Rats have the typical Rat ingenuity and mental capacity, but a strong sense of reality often alludes them preventing them from going after anything that could be impromptu. Earth Rats are honorable and love to be stabilized. Slowly and steadily acquiring wealth gives them a sense of inner peace. Although they are capable of being stingy with their finances, they do possess warm feelings for their family and friends.Health and home.


RAT HEALTH


The affect of the sign of the Rat is energetic, and demonstrates enough endurance to fight most any sickness. Yet, all Rats tend to be tense, full of nervous energy, petulant and prone to stress. Rats also harbor a bit of aggression; yet, they are usually able to control it. Yoga would benefit Rats by calming their aggressive natures and helping them manage stress.


AT HOME WITH THE RAT


Rats make good homemakers who are always willing to do household chores. Rats are not usually interested in keeping up with the times, and it doesn't matter to them whether or not their furnishings are in style. What does matter is that their home is a refuge expressing warmth, comfort and vogue. Light blue is their color of choice for home decor. Because this is a sign of acquisition, the Rat person's house is presumably bursting with various knick-knacks collected over the years. Most Rats are cheerful, domesticated individuals who find happiness at home with their family.Career and finance


THE RAT ON THE JOB


The Chinese say others should always listen to the advice of the Rat. Because of their intellect and observatory powers, Rat people possess prudence and perception. They can anticipate problems, and are always able to see the big picture. They can hone in on issues at hand and make measurable judgments. These skills, combined with their sense of aspiration also make them clever operators. Status, money, title, and recognition are important to the Rat. They have keen senses of observation that allow them to foresee upcoming business opportunities as well as potential occupational problems. The Rat makes a better boss than an employee and, although motivated, they can be pinned down by routines. Rats work better in flexible situations where they can be freely creative.


MONEY AND THE RAT


Cunning and thrifty, Rats have a knack with money and are apt to save for rainy days. When capable, the Rat is a great money saver, and in strapped times he knows how to make something out of nothing or how to turn make things advantageous for himself. Although few Rats suffer financially, the Chinese have a proverb: They who pile up grain hoards have much to lose.


RAT CAREERS


Those born in the Year of the Rat also share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Rat are listed below:


THE RAT VACATION


Travel delights the Rat personality and ignites his curiosity. Sunbathing is not the ideal way for a Rat to spend his vacation. Rats are adventurers. They want to explore, examine, visit and party during their time off. They want to try new foods, find new sights and experience the culture of the area they are visiting. And, of course, if they can come home with an exotic souvenir to add to their collection their vacation will have been an instant success.


FRIENDS AND ENEMIES


Generally friendly and sociable, the Rat is one of the extroverts of the Animal Zodiac. Often, the Rat is lively and genial, and has a special gift for easing the minds of others. It is not surprising that Rats have a lot of friends. They are great speakers and intriguing conversationalists, and can generally find something to say on just about any topic or subject. Of course, there is always that renowned Rat lure that allows them to charm the pants off of people! To the people they love, Rats can be amazingly charitable, popular and supportive, and will go out of their way to be certain their loved ones are content. On the other hand, if the Rat does not like someone, he is considered fair game and can be used to achieve any and all of the Rat's desires. At the end of the day, though, the Rat is a loyal friend and will be there for his companions through thick and thin.


Compatible Friends: Dragons and Monkeys

Mortal Enemy: Horses


A RAT'S PARTNER


Although Rats like to be in the driver's seat, they do need partners who can keep up with their active lifestyles. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Rat will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

MCDONALD'S TARGETS STARBUCKS


MCDONALD'S TARGETS STARBUCKS



McDonald's, the fast-food company, is heating up competition with the Starbucks Coffee Company. McDonald's plans to put coffee bars in its fourteen thousand restaurants in the United States. Fewer than a thousand now offer specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.


Just like Starbucks, each coffee bar would have its own barista, the person who makes and serves the drinks. Company documents reported by the Wall Street Journal said the plan would add one billion dollars a year in sales.


McDonald's has enjoyed several years of strong growth. The company had almost twenty-two billion dollars in sales in two thousand six.


Still, the move to compete against Starbucks carries some risk. Some experts say it could slow down service at McDonald's restaurants. And some people who are happy with McDonald's the way it is now may not like the changes.


As early as two thousand one the company tested McCafes in the United States to sell specialty coffee at McDonald's restaurants. But the drinks were not available at the drive-through windows that provide two-thirds of its business. McDonald's thinks its new plan has a greater chance of success.


Starbucks, on the other hand, has faced slower growth and increasing competition. Its stock has lost about half its value since last January.


Starbucks has about ten thousand stores in the United States. Its high-priced coffee drinks have names like Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha and Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino. Lately Starbucks has added more foods, including breakfast foods, and put drive-through windows in some stores.


This week, the company replaced its chief executive officer, bringing back former C.E.O. Howard Schultz. He remains chairman of the board. He joined Starbucks in nineteen eighty-two, when it had just four stores. He is credited with building the Seattle company into an international success story.


But a year ago he warned that its fast growth had led to what he called the watering down of the Starbucks experience. Some neighborhoods have a Starbucks on every block or two. Now, Starbucks will speed up its international growth while slowing its expansion in the United States.


Millions of people have a taste for Starbucks. But last year, McDonald's Premium coffee got some good press. Testers from Consumer Reports thought it tasted better than Starbucks, and it cost less.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Hoc Tieng Anh Qua Thanh Ngu

A SLAP ON THE WRIST - EAT CROW - SHORT CIRCUIT

1. A slap on the wrist: sự trừng phạt nhẹ nhàng

Explanation: Wrist có nghĩa là cổ tay, và A Slap on the Wrist có nghĩa là đập nhẹ vào cổ tay, tức là không đau đớn gì.

Ex: These four students got caught sneaking a cow into the dean's office. Three got expelled but the fourth only got a slap on the wrist, a week's suspension. People say his dad is a wealthy man who has given the school the money to build a new gymnasium.

Vietnamese Version: 4 sinh viên này bị bắt gặp mang một con bò vào văn phòng ông viện trưởng. 3 cậu bị đuổi khỏi trường, còn cậu thứ tư chỉ bị phạt nhẹ là cấm đi học trong một tuần. Có người nói rằng cha cậu là người giàu có đã cho trường một số tiền để xây sân tập thể thao.

2. Eat crow. rút lại lời tuyên bố (nghĩa đen là ăn thịt con quạ)

Sự tích về Eat Crow: Ngày xưa có người than phiền với một ông chủ quán là thức ăn trong quán ông ta dở quá. Ông ta bèn trả lời rằng tại khách hàng khó tính chứ chính ông ta ăn cái gì cũng thấy ngon cả. Bạn bè ông ta bèn quay một con quạ đen và đưa cho ông ta ăn. Thịt quạ rất dai và dở nhưng ông ta vẫn phải ăn vì sợ mất mặt. Từ đó có thành ngữ Eat Crow tức là phải rút lại những gì mình đã nói.

Ex: Honey, you know how Larry always brags about what a great player he is and how he can beat anybody around. Well, today I beat him 3 straight sets and really made him eat crow.

Vietnamese Version: Đoạn này có nghĩa như sau: Em ơi, em biết là anh chàng Larry lúc nào cũng khoe khoang rằng anh ta là một cây vợt đại tài và có thể đánh bại được mọi người. Hôm nay, anh đã thắng được anh ta 3 ván liền và làm cho anh ta phải xấu hổ mà rút lại lời nói khoe khoang của mình.

3. To short circuit: là phá hỏng một điều gì

Explanation: To Short Circuit là cắt đứt một mạch điện, và nghĩa bóng là phá hỏng một điều gì.

Ex: My mother stayed up all night cooking for all our relatives and friends. But when the day came, a terrible thunderstorm short circuited all our plans and we had to eat inside the house.

Vietnamese Version: Câu này có nghĩa như sau: Mẹ tôi đã thức suốt đêm để nấu nướng cho tất cả bà con và bè bạn trong dịp lễ. Nhưng tới ngày lễ, một trận mưa giông đã phá hỏng dự định của gia đình tôi, và chúng tôi phải ăn uống trong nhà.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Normal English

BUSH TO ENCOURAGE PEACE EFFORTS

President Bush heads to the Middle East this week to encourage Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, and strengthen ties with Gulf states. VOA White House Correspondent Paula Wolfson reports it will be one of the longest and most ambitious trips of his presidency.

The trip follows up on the U.S. sponsored Mideast conference held in November in Annapolis, Maryland.

President Bush says his goal is to keep the momentum going.

"This is a region of great strategic importance to the United States, and I am looking forward to my visit," said Mr. Bush.

The trip will mark his first visit to Israel and the West Bank as president, followed by stops in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The work will begin almost immediately after his arrival Wednesday in Jerusalem, with a series of meetings with Israeli leaders. The next day, there will be similar talks with the Palestinian side in Ramallah - the West Bank headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.

President Bush says he knows the peace process is difficult, and hard choices are required on both sides.

"It will require tough decisions on complex questions. But I am optimistic about the prospects," he said. "And I will make clear that America is deeply committed to helping both parties realize the historic vision we share: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."

The president says he will seek support for the peace process in the Arab states on his tour. He says he also wants to talk to their leaders about the importance of bolstering the young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the need for a unified stand on Iran.

White House National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley predicts everywhere he goes in the region there will be one common theme that the threat posed by extremists and terrorists must be overcome.

"I think the main thing that the president can bring is a message of hope for the region, a commitment to finding a way towards supporting those who support freedom and democracy and justice in the region," said Hadley.

But some observers wonder just how effective an American president with only one year left in office can be in the Middle East.

"The odds are very strong that the most this administration can do is leave a legacy for the next administration," said security affairs expert Anthony Cordesman, of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. He says Mideast leaders are keeping a close watch on the U.S. election process.

Cordesman adds the goal of reaching an Israeli-Palestinian agreement by the end of the Bush presidency is likely to prove elusive.

"It Is good to talk about 2008; we certainly should not abandon the goal," he added. "But I think the reality is much more probable that this process will move well into the next administration if it succeeds."

Cordesman says dramatic breakthroughs are unlikely on this trip. But he stresses that does not mean President Bush should stay home. He says leaders in the region do not expect immediate solutions, but need to know the president is engaged.

"What really is important is they know the president is involved, that there is an opportunity to express politely their complaints and concerns, that there is the ability at least to move forward in limited areas, a symbolic accommodation," continued Cordesman. "And I am sure we will see some of those to ease some of the visible tensions between the United States and their own publics. And this kind of contact, if it is well managed and it does not make excessive demands, is very constructive."

In a series of interviews in the days prior to his departure from Washington, President Bush said he is going to the Middle East because he believes conditions are, as he put it, ripe for peace. During a session with al-Hurra, the U.S. government's Arabic-language satellite television network, he was asked how he hopes to be remembered in the region.

"I hope they remember me as the guy who was willing to fight extremists who murdered the innocent to achieve political objectives, and at the same time had great faith in the average citizen of the Middle East to self-govern," said Mr. Bush.

The president acknowledged he is not popular in parts of the region. But he said he hopes people see his vision for the future is one of peace.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

SLOW ENGLISH

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The reading text is in the listening book.