Topic Reading-Vol.3702-5/31/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

NeWater: Turning urine into beer in Singapore

Though it is located in a tropical region, Singapore has very little water resources for its 5.8 million residents and businesses. Besides the import of water from Malaysia, the city state has built a robust, diversified, and sustainable water supply from the local catchment, desalinated water, and high-grade reclaimed water known as NEWater. It is a purified liquid made of sewage, which has been drunk for nearly two decades. Now, a new use of NEWater is introduced. Beer. The tropical blond ale is one of Singapore’s greenest beers. It is made up of imported barley and yeast, as well as domestically produced NEWater. How does it taste?

As many places in the world are going to face severer droughts because of climate change, more liquid will need to be recycled and reproduced for the increasing population.

Enjoy watching the video to learn why and how a new beer is produced with recycled water.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-61577976

Topic Reading-Vol.3701-5/30/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Beijing hits back at Biden's claims

For the People’s Republic of China (PRC), there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with the PRC serving as the sole legitimate government of that China, and Taiwan is a part of China. For the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s then ruling party when the 1992 consensus was made, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is not represented by the PRC even though it agrees that there is only one China. In the meanwhile, the US’s One China policy recognizes the PRC as the sole legal government of China but does not endorse the PRC’s position that Taiwan is part of China. Recently, the US is supporting Taiwan more openly for its independence from China, sending political delegates and selling more high-tech weapons. And on May 23 while visiting Tokyo, President Biden said that the US would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan should it be attacked. Since it is so obvious against which country the US would provide military support and action, China reiterated its firm stance that the Taiwan issue is nothing but China’s internal affair and should never be interfered with by others. You probably have heard or known what Western media are saying about the One China policy and Taiwan’s security. But it may be helpful to read what China claims about Taiwan and its response to the recent moves and announcements by the US.

Read the article to learn about the Taiwan issue from China’s viewpoint.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202205/24/WS628c159da310fd2b29e5e7c3.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3700-5/29/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Global economy faces 'its biggest test' since WWII

The world seems to be facing quite a few economic, environmental, and humanitarian challenges recently, each of which may not be solved by itself. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hasn’t shown any sign of a cease-fire, some countries and companies are trying to make investments in digging fossil fuels like oil and coal in spite of rising temperatures. Also, both Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, corn, and barley, all of which are essential food for many in the world. Any shortage of essential food causes a chain reaction in the world’s food supply chain. In fact, India banned the export of wheat and Indonesia did the same for palm oil recently. Also, China’s Covid lockdowns in major cities have been causing serious supply chain problems for manufacturing industries, and many manufacturers and retailers are lowering business projections. Furthermore, fear and sign of inflation are pushing central governments to raise interest rates, which makes mortgage rates, housing prices, and rents higher and higher, which affect the household budget seriously. In the 2007-08 financial crisis, China’s major domestic investment helped the world’s economy recover. But this time, China’s domestic market is also facing an economic slowdown. And don’t forget. Global temperatures are rising, too. So, instead of just looking at short-term relief, the world seems to pursue longer-term, environmentally sustainable solutions.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about what the world is facing now.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/23/business/davos-global-economy-imf/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3699-5/28/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

2-year-old orders 31 cheeseburgers after mom leaves phone unlocked

DoorDash is the largest food delivery company in the United States which operates an online food ordering and food delivery platform. To use the DoorDash app, just use the food icons on your smartphone, or the search tab to find your favorite restaurant. A Texas mother sometimes uses this app to have MacDonald’s lunch delivered to her two children at school. But she didn’t order the app for lunch on the day when her 2-year-old son played with her smartphone a little harder than usual. Later, a DoorDash delivery of 31 MacDonald’s cheeseburgers arrived at her house. She had no idea how the order was placed but found that it was her 2-year-old son who pressed the screen and sent to order accidentally. It is indeed surprising that a food delivery order can be placed by accident like this. But it is also surprising that a food delivery service is used for children’s school lunches.

Enjoy reading the article and finding out what she did with the cheeseburgers.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/21/us/texas-toddler-mcdonalds-cheeseburger-doordash-trnd/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3698-5/27/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

The realities of the four-day workweek

Until about 100 years ago when Ford Motor Company introduced the five-day workweek, most workers went to work six days a week. Gradually, more companies, factories, and individuals adopted the practice and by the end of the century, the five-day workweek became a common work practice in many parts of the world. But why five days, not four days? Though the debates and trials for a shorter workweek have been on and off for some time, a 2020 survey shows only 5% of US full-time employees worked shorter than five days. It is generally thought that the potential benefits of the four-day workweek are better work-life balance and improved well-being. However, in some cases, workers feel pressured to do the same tasks in fewer days and end up adding more hours to workdays. While these problems might have been experienced when the six-day workweek shifted to five-day, cutting the time by 20% to do the same job seems like a bigger challenge. Indeed, without improving productivity and work efficiency, one might end up working 10 hours each day, which seems too long for most workers. Still, working fewer days surely brings some irresistible benefits and well-being.

Enjoy reading the article and think if you prefer working harder in fewer days.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220322-the-realities-of-the-four-day-workweek

Topic Reading-Vol.3697-5/26/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Mine e-waste, not the Earth, say scientists

A lot of rare metals are used to produce electronic gadgets and batteries, like smartphones, PCs, and e-vehicles. Gallium for LEDs, indium for microchips, and lithium for batteries, only to name a few. Those metals are found only in certain areas and their supplies aren’t infinite, and therefore they are the bottleneck of their supply chains. In the meanwhile, a substantial amount of e-waste that contains these precious elements is generated each year, only less than 20% of which is collected and recycled. Is there any way to increase the recycling of such e-waste? A survey of 10,000 people in 10 countries found that consumers are becoming more conscious of the environment and sustainability when it comes to choosing a product to buy. So, why don’t we try encouraging and stimulating e-product buyers and owners more? Also, why not include a recycling scheme as part of the original sales?

Enjoy reading the article and think about how to use more e-waste to save the planet.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61350996

Topic Reading-Vol.3696-5/25/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

US Navy's first woman aircraft carrier commander: Leadership is hard

Commissioned in November 1989, USS Abraham Lincoln is one of the US Navy’s 11 aircraft carriers on active duty. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3 which belongs to the US Pacific Fleet. The 100k-ton nuclear-powered carrier is sailed by 3,200 sailors and its 90 aircraft and helicopters are run by a complement of 2,500. She is powered by two nuclear reactors and protected by four missile systems and two automatic guns.

Captain Amy Bauernschmidt is the commanding officer of this massive aircraft carrier. She served as an Executive Officer (XO), in charge of the day-to-day operation, of the ship for three years before she became in charge of the carrier in the summer of 2021. Indeed, she was the first and only woman in the select group of US Navy officers who command aircraft carriers. She served as a helicopter pilot, instructor, and squadron leader, studied and graduated from nuclear power school, and commanded an amphibious ship before commanding the aircraft carrier as XO. A brilliant career she has developed!

Enjoy reading the article and learn about this powerful navy officer on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/16/asia/us-navy-woman-aircraft-carrier-commander-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3695-5/24/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Photos: Waiting for water train in India’s scorching desert state

In India and Pakistan, 'more intense heatwaves of longer durations and occurring at a higher frequency are projected'

Pali district is in the state of Rajasthan, India’s northwestern state that shares a border with Pakistan. Precipitation in this region has been so low especially for the last two years that water had to be brought in by trains in hot seasons. This year, the residents of the district have already been suffering an early heatwave, and temperatures often reach 45 degrees Celsius or even higher. As the district had already depleted water resources, water has been brought in by the 40-wagon train from a town 65km away for thousands of people. Many people, most of whom are women and school children, are waiting for the water train a few times a day. For some children, carrying water to their homes takes a higher priority over going to school.

Promise: In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an ambitious Water Life Mission to provide a functional tap connection to all households in rural India by 2024.

Reality: Less than 50 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water.

As global warming continues, heat waves might become the norm rather than seasonal. Will the world have enough safe water for the increasing population?

Read the article and see the photos of what might be seen in more places in the world.

https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2022/5/17/photos-waiting-for-water-train-in-indias-scorching-desert-state-rajasthan

Topic Reading-Vol.3694-5/23/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Not lovin' it: How Russians reacted to McDonald's closing

McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Moscow in 1990 and became the symbol of glasnost in action by breaking through the Iron Curtain. The fast-food restaurant chain had enjoyed its Russian business for the last 32 years until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It operated 847 restaurants in Russia and employed 60,000 employees. Together with 108 restaurants in Ukraine, the sales accounted for about 9% of the company’s revenue in 2021. However, they decided to close their operation in Russia to keep their values. The company’s announcement says, “The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and precipitating unpredictable operating environment have led McDonald’s to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald’s values.” Though the decision was well accepted by investors, selling their 847 locations without the iconic brand name and vital food supply is really a hard sell. Indeed, the company is going to take a huge write-off. And the employees have to wait to find out whether they will have to look for a new job.

Enjoy watching the video to hear what young Russians say about McDonald’s exit.

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/business/2022/05/17/mcdonalds-russia-exit-lon-orig-mrg.cnn/video/playlists/business-news/

Topic Reading-Vol.3693-5/22/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Thousands of Britain's 'fish and chip' shops could close within a year. Here's why

Fish and chips is a UK’s popular hot dish consisting of fried fish, usually cod or haddock, in crispy batter, served with chips (fried potatoes). It appeared in the UK in the 1860s to feed industrial workers and soon became popular. Even during World War II, unlike other essentials like tea, butter, and meat, fish and chips was exempt from the ration because it was important to feed workers and soldiers. It is considered Britain’s national dish and around 10,000 dedicated fish and chips, mostly small papa-and-mom shops, are currently in business across the country. Unfortunately, their businesses are in crisis because of the soaring costs of gas, oil, fish, and potatoes. On top of the accelerating inflation since last year, the supply chain of these key ingredients was broken when Russia invaded Ukraine. Nearly 40% of cod and haddock came from Russian waters and half of its sunflower oil was imported from Ukraine. As a major part of the supply is cut or reduced, the prices of their alternatives hike, such as fish from Iceland and Norway. Also, the price of palm oil, a popular alternative to sunflower oil, recently doubled as Indonesia, the world’s largest exporter, restricted exports to keep their domestic supplies. And of course, energy bills are rising higher and higher as the crisis continues. Since fish and chips is a popular dish for commoners, those shops aren’t raising their selling prices as much as their costs have increased. Now, the industry’s organization is worried that as many as a third of the nation’s fish and chips restaurants might close their doors.

Read the article and learn about UK’s national dish crisis.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/16/business-food/fish-and-chips-britain-inflation/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3692-5/21/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

California is in a water crisis, yet usage is way up.

California is the most populous state in the US with a population of around 40 million. Its economy is so large that should it be a country, it would be the fifth-largest economy in the world. This year, California is facing the worst drought ever. While there are 1,500 lakes and reservoirs in the state that store surface water, the state’s groundwater storage capacity is more than 10 times that of all its surface waterways. Most of California’s precipitation falls as snow in the northern part of the state during the winter. But because of global warming, the precipitation has been falling in recent years. As a result, the state’s both surface water and groundwater levels fell to the critical levels. The state and local governments have been urging the residents to conserve water usage, but many argue that the more conservation efforts need to be made by large water users like agriculture and fracking, the injection of a fluid at high pressure into an underground rock formation to allow trapped gas or crude oil to flow through a pipe to a wellhead at the surface. Those who depend on surface water are going to be asked to cut more water usage. Those who rely on groundwater are afraid of depleting it as more is being pumped to compensate for the disappearing surface water. How will California survive under water pressure?

Enjoy reading the article and learning about California’s management of its water crisis.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/15/us/california-water-usage-increase-drought-climate/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3691-5/20/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

What you need to know about Finland, Sweden and NATO

Established in 1949 by 10 European states, the US, and Canada to cope with the Soviet and its satellite states, The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, usually called NATO, is an intergovernmental military alliance. The number of European member states has increased eastward to today’s 30. This expansion of the military alliance seems to have made Russia feel threatened. Though there is no militaristic dictator like Napoleon or Hitler in today’s western Europe, Russia won’t forget the deadly wars to defend their motherland even though NATO’s intention is to deter the Soviets from attacking western (now including central) European countries that are no match for Russia. But triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, two Scandinavian countries, Finland and Sweden, have announced that they are applying to become members of NATO to avoid becoming the next target of Russia. If Russia hadn’t invaded Ukraine, neither country would have sought to join the counter-Russia organization to avoid unnecessary provocation. European map seems to have been more distinctly divided by ally and enemy like a century ago. Does an alliance ever deter future aggression?

Read the article and see the map to learn what NATO could mean to Russia.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/14/europe/sweden-finland-nato-next-steps-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3690-5/19/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Spectacular world's longest suspension footbridge opens in Czech Republic

Do you like to walk from one mountain to another to enjoy the view and thrill? One way to do that is to walk across a suspension bridge. There is a brand-new, world’s longest suspension footbridge, which just opened to the public this month after two years of construction work. Sky Bridge 721 is a 1.2-meter-wide suspended footbridge in the Dolni Morova in the Czech Republic. The one-way footbridge has a 721-meter-long span and is suspended by six cables. It takes about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Prague and a cable car ride to get there. When you walk on the bridge, you’ll enjoy magnificent views from 95 meters above the valley floor. Are you interested in walking across the world’s longest suspension bridge? Get a ticket!

Enjoy reading the article and watching the video to learn about this thrilling new suspension bridge in Czech.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-longest-suspension-footbridge-czech-republic/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3689-5/18/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Royal Mail wants fleet of 500 drones to carry mail to remote UK communities

Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, is a subarctic archipelago in the Northern Atlantic, between Great Britain, the Faroe Islands, and Norway. It is the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, about 170 km from mainland Scotland. So, how are mail delivered to and sent from these remote islands with a population of about 22,000? For now, human-piloted airplanes and boats carry goods and mail. But when they are too foggy, they can’t fly, and when the sea is rough, they can’t ferry. Also, human pilots are more costly compared to machines. So, Royal Mail plans to fly a fleet of autonomous drones to carry mail to and from such remote communities in the UK. These drones are designed to serve as middle-mile transportation, which means they just carry mail between distant postal workers. These drones leave a smaller ecological footprint besides the autonomous and all-weather flying capability. Indeed, delivering parcels and mail to the doorstep might be a bit complicated but taking the role of human-driven vehicles as a middleman might be more practical, economical, and environmentally friendly.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about Royal Mail’s autonomous middleman.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-61409558

Topic Reading-Vol.3688-5/17/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

A passenger with no flying experience landed a plane at a Florida airport after the pilot became incapacitated

An hour after taking off from Bahama on May 10, a Cessna 208, a single-engine utility aircraft was flying 2,750 meters high over the Florida coast. All of a sudden, the pilot became ill and incapable of flying the aircraft. One of the passengers with no piloting experience contacted air controllers and reported the situation. There was only one choice to save the people on board. Have the passenger land the aircraft. One of the air controllers who also is a flight instructor decided to help the passenger-pilot land at Palm Beach International Airport, the area’s largest airport to make the landing less difficult. Since the air controller had never flown that type of Cessna, he used a map of the aircraft’s cockpit to give proper instructions to the passenger-pilot. And you know what? They made it safely! Will the passenger fly again or learn to fly?

Enjoy reading the article and watching the video to learn about this amazing landing in the most desperate situation.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/florida-passenger-lands-plane/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3687-5/16/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Apple to discontinue the iPod after 21 years

Many mobile music listeners have used iPods for some time, a series of portable media players and multi-purpose mobile devices designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It revolutionized how people listened to music. Before iPod, mobile listeners had used Walkman cassette players, portable CD players, and MP players. The big difference from them is that iPod is a mobile data storage device using hard drives, micro-drives, or flash memory depending on the model. When it was first introduced in 2001, Steve Jobs, then Apple’s CEO, said listening to music would never be the same again. Indeed, music started to be sold by title and copyright rather than in the media. However, as smartphones became more popular and capable, people started to listen to music from the all-in-one device instead of the iPod. In fact, Apple knew that transition would occur when it introduced the first iPhone in 2007. 15 years later, Apple finally announced discontinuing this iconic music device. Indeed, the birth of the iPhone was the beginning of the end of the iPod.

Enjoy reading the article and remembering what mobile listening device you used to use.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-61401626

Topic Reading-Vol.3686-5/15/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why are we so obsessed with carrots, onions, peas and tomatoes?

Do you care how many kinds of vegetables and fruits you eat daily? We all know that they are good for our health. Experts suggest we consume a third of the food we eat daily with vegetables and fruits. They provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Also, it is beneficial to consume a wide variety of vegetables and fruits even though they aren’t always available or budget-friendly. And even if there is a wide variety of vegetables available at reasonable prices, we tend to eat the same kinds of vegetables most of the time. That may be because we have limited recipes, budget, and capacity for storage. Another challenge is that vegetables and fruits won’t last so long. One solution to these problems is to use frozen, dried, and canned vegetables and fruits. They are widely available, usually economical, and easily added to your dishes. Just an apple a day may not keep your doctor away, but one more vegetable per meal might work.

Enjoy reading the article and thinking about what another vegetable or fruit might be for your next meal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/veg_variety

Topic Reading-Vol.3685-5/14/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

How fast food giants like McDonald's found their Indian soul

When you get into a Starbucks outlet in any place in the world, you’ll find almost the same menu. But when you eat at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, you’ll find almost the same renowned fried chicken but also some locally adapted menu, like the Teriyaki chicken sandwich in Japan. If you get into a McDonald’s restaurant in India, you’ll find an almost completely different menu from other countries and even find a very distinct menu in each region. Why so different in India? First, about 80% of India’s population is Hindus, many of whom avoid eating beef. Second, over 30% of Indians are vegetarians. Also, unlike Americans who are mostly happy with just ketchup and mayonnaise, people in India like a wide variety of local flavors, spices, and ingredients. Accordingly, American fast-food restaurants adapted their standard menu to appeal to local customs and tastes. For example, Vada is a greasy, hot, and spicy doughnut that tests your gastronomic endurance. You can enjoy very different kinds of food in the same atmosphere and services as McDonald’s restaurants in other countries.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about how to develop a local business while maintaining global brand recognition.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61268771

Topic Reading-Vol.3684-5/13/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Food apps and online gaming driving obesity – WHO

Europeans are getting fatter. Almost 60% of adults and a third of children are either overweight or obese, according to the WHO. Being too fat increases the risk of various health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, heart and lung problems, and even disability. The WHO estimates that the weight problem is causing 1.2 million deaths each year in Europe, which represents about 13% of all deaths. Sadly, the rise in overweight and obesity is seen in all European countries. The health organization says the Covid pandemic and food apps have made people eat more unhealthy food, which is high in calories, salt, and sugar. Also, they say online gaming has made children eat irregularly and sit too long instead of being engaged in physical activities. It seems that working from home has affected people’s working and eating habits, too. But are just apps and games to blame? They are mostly used by smartphones, which meanwhile make our lives engaged at work and at home. We seem to need to find a way to balance physical health and mental well-being.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about the weight problem in Europe.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-61307316

Topic Reading-Vol.3683-5/12/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Climate change: Spring egg-laying shifts by three weeks

The tit is a common small wild bird found in the northern half of the world. They live less than two years. So, if you study their habitats and behaviors for 75 years, you can track nearly 40 generations. That is what researchers in Oxford, England have done to learn about how the birds have evolved and changed to cope with the climate and environmental changes. They have marked and counted the birds, and recorded the date that females lay their eggs and those eggs hatched. What they found is that those birds now lay eggs three weeks earlier than 75 years ago. That is a staggering behavioral change even for this short-lived species. You might also recall the time when certain spring flowers now bloom earlier than decades ago. Do you remember when cherry blossoms fully bloomed when you were a child? Indeed, flora and fauna need to adapt to climate change.

Enjoy reading the text and learning about how spring has been changing around us.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61314226

Topic Reading-Vol.3682-5/11/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why India's real Covid toll may never be known

To improve health, it is important to get information about death and disease. For example, an increase in lung cancer death rates among men in the 1930s led to the identification of smoking as a major cause. Also, a surge in deaths among young gay men revealed HIV/Aids as the cause. However, causes of death aren’t always available or reliable in many countries including India whose population exceeds 1.4 billion. In India, approximately, half of the 10 million deaths each year occur at home, especially in villages where record-keeping of the cause of death is not well reported or even identified. So, it is uncertain how many people died of Covid in India as the government has been reluctant to identify or reveal the numbers because of lack of such data or their pride. In fact, India reported 481,000 Covid deaths in 2020 and 2021 combined, but the World Health Organization estimates the figure would have been 10 times higher than that, which accounts for nearly a third of the world’s Covid deaths during the period. How did WHO estimate the figure? Excess deaths, a simple measure of how many more people died compared with previous years.

Read the article and learn about how difficult it is to identify the number and the cause of death in India and the world.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60981318

Topic Reading-Vol.3681-5/10/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Rocket Lab: Helicopter catches returning booster over the Pacific

The first stage booster of a rocket is used to provide thrust in spacecraft launches from the initial launch through the first ascent. Once its propellants are expended, it falls back towards Earth. Most of the boosters are uncontrollable and burn until exhaustion by the heat generated during the fall. Those single-use boosters are expensive and make the launch costs high. Only one rocket launch company reuses the booster to reduce cost. Space-X’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket whose first stage has already been reused multiple times. After stage separation, the booster flips around, an optional boost back burn is done to reverse its course, a reentry burn, controlling direction to arrive at the landing site, and a landing burn to affect the final low-altitude deceleration and touchdown. This complicated process is done autonomously. Now, another way to reuse the first booster had been engineered and recently tested, which uses a parachute to reduce the falling speed to be caught by a helicopter. This mid-air catch test was conducted over the Pacific Ocean after a mission to orbit 34 satellites. Which way will become popular, the autonomous landing system or the human-controlled helicopter catch? Whichever the case might be, the cost to launch a satellite is going to become cheaper and the space is going to be even more congested.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about this mid-air rocket booster catch by a helicopter.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61307512

Topic Reading-Vol.3680-5/9/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why May 9 is a big day for Russia, and what a declaration of war would mean

While most European countries observe Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, on May 8, Russia commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Because of their massive losses, including over 20 million civilian and military deaths during Great Patriotic War, Victory Day remains one of the most important and emotional dates in Russia. The day is celebrated by many Russians around the world, organizing public gatherings and parades. The victory speech by the Russian president and the parade on Red Square are both broadcasted and watched by more audiences than any other Russian event. Also, there is a minute of silence at 6:55 pm MST. So, it is a big day for Russia’s leaders to praise their leadership, show their military strength, and inspire patriotism. As the military operation in Ukraine has shown great losses with limited success and the nation suffers severe economic sanctions from the US and its allies, how this year’s commemoration day is celebrated in Russia? What message is given by the president who initiated the invasion of Ukraine? One thing is for sure. Russia is not in a state to declare victory over Ukraine yet.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about what today means to the Russian people and their leader.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/03/europe/russia-victory-day-explainer-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3679-5/8/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Qantas promises direct flights from Sydney to London and New York

If you leave London at 09:25 and fly for 13 hours, you’ll arrive at Singapore Changi Airport at 05:30 the next day. After an hour and 45 minutes layover, you’ll leave there at 07:15 and fly for another seven hours and forty minutes, you’ll get to Sydney Airport at 16:55. The total flight time is 22 hours 30 minutes including the 1:45 layover. Now, if you had a choice to go to Sydney from London, which would you prefer, the aforementioned one-stop flight, or a 20-hour-non-stop flight? The latter option will become available in a few years as Qantas Airways, Austria’s flag carrier has signed a deal to purchase a fleet of the A350-1000, Airbus’s super long-range aircraft, to be delivered from 2025. The airline is also planning to start a non-stop service to New York. While there are a number of options as to where and how long to layover, from a few hours to a day or two, once you get on a 20-hour non-stop flight, you’ll be attached to the seat and sandwiched by fellow passengers during the long journey. As for the ticket price, non-stop is always much more expensive than lay-over flights. Again, which would you prefer?

Enjoy reading the article and think about a travel plan sitting on a set for 20 hours.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-61294894

Topic Reading-Vol.3678-5/7/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Lab-grown meat and insects 'good for planet and health'

Cultured meat, or lab-grown meat, is genuine animal meat that is produced by cultivating animal cells directly. It is made of the same cell types arranged in the same or similar structure as animal tissues, so the sensory and nutritional profiles are the same as conventional meat. However, since the production method eliminates the need to raise and farm animals for food, it uses much less water and land and emits little carbon emissions compared with ordinary meat. Also, there are over 1,000 insect species for human consumption, such as beetles, butterflies, bees, grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets. They could be eaten as a whole or processed into a non-recognizable form, like powders or flour. Insects are richer in protein and more nutrient-efficient compared to other meat sources. Furthermore, they grow without consuming as much natural resources as meat. Scientists in Finland who studied the nutritional profile of some of these products say switching meat, dairy, and other animal products for alternative foods could reduce environmental impacts by more than 80% while providing a more complete range of essential nutrients than a purely vegetarian or vegan diet. Should we switch to lab-grown meat and insect diet, or just add them to our menu? Whichever the way might be, it’ll be a more sustainable diet in the future.

Enjoy reading the article and think if you want to be more environmentally friendlier while keeping the nutritious balance.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61182294

Topic Reading-Vol.3677-5/6/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Nearby star system hosts two planets and 30 exocomets

A light-year is a distance that light travels in a vacuum in one year, or 365.25 days, which is equivalent to approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers. It takes 94,6 billion hours to travel the distance if you drive at 100 kilometers per hour, or 10.8 million years. But if you got on a light-speed spaceship, it would take just one year to cover the distance. Now, there is a very young solar system that is developing only about 63 light-years away from ours, called Beta Pictoris. It is believed to be just 20-some million years old, which is much younger than our 4.5-billion-year-old solar system. At least two planets have been confirmed orbiting the young star. Now, scientists have observed our neighboring system for over 150 days and discovered 30 exocomets and the approximate sizes of their nuclei, the heart of a comet, which range between three and 14 kilometers in diameter. As some of the water on Earth is believed to have originated from comets, scientists want to learn about the impacts of comets on planets. Indeed, it’s like studying a newly forming solar system by time-traveling over four billion years.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about this newly-forming solar system.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/29/world/exocomet-discovery-beta-pictoris-scn/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3676-5/5/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,  
Australia election: Why is there compulsory voting?
Australia is one of the democratic countries that mandate voting. Compulsory voting is a legal obligation, and all eligible and registered Australian voters are required to vote either at a polling booth or by mail. Anyone who hasn’t gets a fine of 20 Australian dollars. Though it is not a significant amount, it certainly makes people vote. In fact, in the 2019 federal election, 92% of the 16.4 million registered voters cast votes. This means that the election results reflect the voices of not only opinionated people but also the general public, which helps avoid more populistic results, such as the UK’s Brexit referendum or the US’s presidential elections (you-know-who). Australia’s compulsory voting has been supported for nearly a century. And the nation is likely to have over 90% turnout in the upcoming general election on May 21. Since many democratic countries are getting more divided in general or presidential elections, higher voter participation seems to be needed more than ever before.  
Enjoy watching the video and think if voting should be mandated in your country.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-61186402

Topic Reading-Vol.3675-5/4/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,  

Why singles are 'pre-screening' their dates

The coronavirus pandemic seems to have affected in many ways how we meet with others in business practices and private lives. Many business meetings are taken place by video conference, including job interviews. Even after the ease of travel or gathering restrictions, people aren’t simply getting back to the old normal. Two years seems to be long enough for many to review and evaluate what is more or less important than other activities and spending. For example, instead of meeting with a stranger in a bar or restaurant for a first date, more people are now taking pre-meeting screenings through video meetings or voice notes. Nowadays, matching apps and SNSs provide opportunities to find someone you may be interested in meeting. But as meeting in person becomes a more extraordinary opportunity for many after the pandemic, it might be quite natural to be more selective about who to meet with.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about a newly arising norm to meet with someone.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220421-why-singles-are-pre-screening-their-dates

Topic Reading-Vol.3674-5/3/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,  

One in five reptiles is threatened with extinction

Reptiles are animals that produce eggs for reproduction and use the heat of the sun to keep their blood warm. They include turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes. The earliest known reptiles originated over 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. Although they aren’t as popular as mammals or birds when it comes to animal conservation, reptiles play an important role in the balance of life. In fact, reptiles help control pests like insects and rodents.

A recent study found that one in five reptiles is threatened with extinction. For example, over half of crocodiles and nearly two-thirds of turtles feared extinction. The causes of such threats include habitat destruction from farmland, urban development, and logging. Also, hunting and global warming threaten the lives of crocodiles, turtles, and inhabitants on islands. We should be aware that the diversity of life on our planet today is the result of evolution for over three billion years.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about the situation of cold-blooded animals.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61242789

Topic Reading-Vol.3673-5/2/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,  

30 classic Italian dishes that everyone should try

Italian dishes are loved by many people beyond borders, cultures, and races. There are not only so many popular foods like pasta, pizza, and risotto but also a wide variety of dishes, such as Spaghetti, Arrabbiata, Lasagna Bolognese, Macaroni Bianchiverdi, Cannelloni di Carne, Pizza Margherita, and Calzone Pizza only to name a few. And of course, there are antipasto, soups, salads, fish and meat dishes, and desserts. What is your favorite dish?

Check out these 30 Italian dishes recommended by CNN Travel.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/classic-italian-dishes/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.3672-5/1/2022

Dear MEL Topic Readers,  

Whisky generates a lot of waste. It could soon help fuel your car

Biofuels, such as renewable electricity, biogas, or liquid biofuels, account for just 3% of the fuel used in global transport. They are mainly made from corn, soya beans, or sugarcane, and are regarded as a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels. While their environmental benefits are well recognized, it still takes a substantial amount of land to produce. This could give significant impacts on biodiversity, carbon storage, and food security. For example, corn is produced to feed humans and pigs as well as to produce biofuel. To harvest more corn to produce more biofuel, you’ll need more land or sell more to biofuel producers, which could destroy more forests or sacrifice the food supply. But what if the waste to produce some other product is used for biofuels? A biofuel scientist came up with an idea to convert the waste to produce whisky into biofuel. Surprisingly, a substantial amount of waste and by-products are created to distill whiskies, such as draff, pot ale, and lees. It seems like a good attempt to use the waste to produce something that many people crave. Will that biofuel make the car drunk or alcoholic?

Enjoy reading the article and learning about how whisky waste could be turned into biofuel.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/25/business/whisky-waste-biofuel-climate-celtic-renewables-scn-hnk-spc-intl/index.html