[127] Taiji Dolphin Slaughter Brings Backlash

TRAVEL NEWS WIRE…

Taiji Dolphin Slaughter Brings Backlash The annual dolphin slaughter at Taiji in Wakayama-ken, Japan has started for 2014. The town become notorious after the 2006 Academy Award-winning film “The Cove” showed Taiji fishermen corralling dolphin families into a narrow cove and stabbing them to death until the water turned red with blood. Fishermen in Denmark also slaughter dolphins and small whales on shore, against international appeals. This year film stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Ben Stiller, and the late Robin Williams have made a video appeal to stop the hunt. See http://vimeo.com/17129452 for the Hollywood celebrity public service announcement.

THIS WEEK’S NATURAL PHRASE

running non-stop

Lila: You look so tired today, Edward. What’s going on with you?

Edward: Sorry, I’ve been running non-stop since last Wednesday. I had a big report to finish at work, and then my kids had the flu and I had to take them back and forth from the house to the hospital all week long. I’ll try to rest this weekend.

Explanation: The phrase “running non-stop” means to be working or travelling without any breaks or periods of rest. We can use the phrase when discussing work, travel, or the function of factory machines, vehicles, etc.

THIS WEEK’S MEDICAL PHRASE

viral suppression

Mr. Kawada: How are my test results, Doctor?

Doctor: Hmmm, the drugs seem to be working well. Your test results show strong viral suppression. I think you’ll feel better soon.

Explanation: The term “viral suppression” means that a drug is helping the patient’s body to fight against a virus. The word “suppress” is from Latin, meaning to push something down.

THIS WEEK’S EMAIL PHRASE

lump sum

Dear Mr Chen:

Instead of charging our client several fees for consulting, processing, materials and taxes for each day, I think we should make it simple and just charge them one lump sum that is easy to understand and easy to pay.

Explanation: The phrase “lump sum” means one amount of money that is paid at one time.